On October 15, 2023, in Nanjing, a Taiwanese youth, Tseng Wei-Hsiang, reflects on his experience as a tour guide, sharing the beauty of this ancient capital with the world. During a tour at the Nanjing Museum of Imperial Examination, he enthusiastically informs a group of intrigued tourists, “This was once the largest imperial examination site in China—Jiangnan Gongyuan, capable of accommodating over 20,000 candidates. Its grandeur is truly remarkable.”
Tseng, passionate about travel, obtained his tour guide certification in Taiwan and occasionally led groups from the mainland on tours of the island. He recalls, “The first group I guided from the mainland came from Nanjing. They introduced me to famous sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and particularly recommended saltwater duck. Coincidentally, my hometown also has a similar dish called salty chicken, which has a similar taste and preparation method.”
His numerous interactions with mainland visitors have given Tseng a deeper understanding of the region. After encountering a tourism promotion online, Tseng found himself increasingly intrigued, prompting him to gather more information about mainland tourism. “I’ve always dreamed of traveling across the beautiful landscapes of this great land. The mainland is just across the strait—why not go and explore?” he said.
In 2019, Tseng traveled to Xiamen to take the mainland tour guide qualification exam. After completing the exam, he knew he wanted to visit Nanjing, so he sought assistance in a WeChat group dedicated to guide certification. He quickly received a response from an experienced Nanjing tour guide.
While in Nanjing, he visited sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Linggu Temple. “I had only seen these places in textbooks and travel guides before. Experiencing them in person was a completely different encounter. The city and its people felt familiar and welcoming,” he shared.
After obtaining his tour guide certification in the mainland, Tseng settled in Nanjing, joined a travel agency, and embarked on a full-time career as a tour guide. He also applied to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Museum, becoming its first volunteer from Taiwan. Through his tours, Tseng helps more visitors learn about Sun Yat-sen’s life and contributions.
From initially connecting with visitors in Nanjing to establishing roots across the strait, and now sharing the rich history and culture of the city with tourists, Nanjing has truly become Tseng Wei-Hsiang’s second hometown. “Nanjing, known as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, a city of universal love, a world literary capital, and a hub for science and education, has many prestigious identities. Transitioning from a tour guide in Taiwan to one in Nanjing, I will continue writing stories about this city,” he concluded.
About the author