Focus on shining ordinary people

In the early morning, the piano piece “My Country and I” echoed through the Jimei Academic Village Metro Station in Xiamen, Fujian Province. A young boy in a white shirt danced his fingers across the black and white keys, using music to touch the hearts of passing commuters and share beautiful blessings for his homeland. His name is Pan Yonglin, and not only is he a Xiamen local, but also a boy “from the stars,” deeply immersed in his music.

Pan Yonglin, who has lived with autism since childhood, learned to communicate with the world through music, thanks to the support of his family. As his confidence grew, he began recording videos of his performances on his phone and sharing them online.

His inspiring journey has been turned into a short video that has moved countless viewers. The warmth and acceptance from the city of Xiamen have deeply touched Pan’s family as well. Pan’s father recalls how, when they initiated crowdfunding for Pan’s first concert online, the citizens of Xiamen quickly came forward with their support. On the day of the performance, the concert hall on Gulangyu Island was filled with an enthusiastic audience, erupting in applause. Now, with the help of his parents, Pan participates in charitable performances across the country, bringing strength and hope to other families with “star children.”

Since last year, Xiamen’s municipal civilization office, in collaboration with a well-known social media platform, launched a campaign to “Find the Most Beautiful Figures in the City.” Transitioning from being inspired to inspiring others, Pan Yonglin has become one of the most celebrated individuals sought after in Xiamen.

Another standout figure in this initiative is Guo Xun, affectionately known as the “good steward” of the Yincheng Mingzhu community in Tong’an District. Elected as the community committee director due to the trust of residents, this retired military veteran decided to unite the community through raising the national flag. As the community flag bearer, he has created a shared sense of belonging that has encouraged many residents to join the Yincheng Mingzhu Volunteer Association, fostering a culture of civility and kindness in the neighborhood.

The “Find the Most Beautiful Figures” campaign is designed to shine a light on the extraordinary stories of ordinary people, encouraging citizens to recognize the impactful contributions of those around them. Based on the clues provided by the community, a series of short videos have been created, allowing these beautiful stories and heartfelt gestures to resonate throughout the island.

Garbage collector Hu Xueshu exemplifies a meticulous work ethic; 80-year-old resident Huang Yali quietly maintains a gathering place for community residents; and highway police officer Zhao Hongrong, a strict yet soft-hearted enforcer, has a habit of keeping 200 yuan on hand to help those in need.

Through a community lens, the essence of Xiamen’s civility is showcased, and a series of micro-documentaries delving into these compelling stories has broadened the reach of this narrative. The completed series, “Finding 10 Most Beautiful Figures,” has garnered vast attention, amassing 80 million views and 12 million clicks across the internet.

Recently, at the 2024 China Internet Civilization Conference, the “Find the Most Beautiful Figures” campaign was selected as one of 50 exemplary cases for national recognition.

Civility forms the foundational spirit of Xiamen. Building on this momentum, the Xiamen municipal civilization office has launched a series of micro-drama episodes titled “Finding the Most Beautiful Stories,” which has received tremendous acclaim. The first episode, “The Peanut Soup Appointment,” portrays the touching relationship between two sisters caring for elderly residents in a nursing home, achieving over a million views since its release. The latest episode, featuring a character named Yu Weiqin, a vendor affectionately known as “Little Fish,” depicts his uplifting spirit as he provides “energizing breakfasts” to those in temporary need, exemplifying the warmth of Xiamen’s community.

The search is ongoing, the stories will continue, and more individuals contributing to the happiness of this city are still emerging.