Kenji Wu's Livestream, Farm Auction Win Online Praise

Taiwan singer Kenji Wu has found himself in the spotlight again – this time not for music, but for two grassroots initiatives that have resonated widely online.

Early Wednesday, Wu wrapped up a 24-hour livestream "Chinese New Year's Eve dinner" in Chongqing that drew more than 13.4 million viewers. The round-the-clock broadcast invited delivery riders, ride-hailing drivers, security guards, porters, taxi drivers and night-shift nurses to share a meal and conversation.

Days earlier, Wu traveled to Guding Village in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, where he hosted an unconventional vegetable auction to support local farmers. Merchants from across Guiyang bid on produce supplied directly by villagers, including scallions and pea shoots, with a total of 15 tons of vegetables sold.

In a video documenting the trip, Wu rode the area's agricultural shuttle bus, which elderly farmers use to transport vegetables to market before dawn. He described it as "the warmest bus" he had seen, reflecting on the physical demands of farm work after lifting the heavy baskets and noticing the thick calluses on farmers' hands.

Local officials told Jimu News that before the shuttle service was introduced, farmers often had to leave home as early as 3am or 4am to sell vegetables individually, with uncertain returns.

Villagers later hosted a traditional banquet to thank Wu. Partnerships between farmers and buyers have since begun, focusing on maintaining product quality for long-term cooperation.

Wu's efforts also drew official attention. At a press briefing today, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office welcomed greater participation by Taiwan compatriots in Chinese mainland community life and encouraged more Taiwan people to share positive stories.