Island of charm and challenge

Another world

Among all the participants on the show, Tamdrin, 23, who is also known as Ding Zhen, is certainly the most well-known. From the Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province, the young Tibetan became a social media sensation in November 2020 after a photographer posted a 7-second video of his smiling face. Shortly after, he was appointed Sichuan's cultural tourism ambassador and participated in numerous variety shows.

The show's director, Xu Langjun, describes him as "a truly sincere young man who lets his actions speak louder than words".

"Tamdrin has a sense of freedom and relaxation that is rare in city boys. He laughs openly, relishes his meals and plays with his friends like a child," Xu comments.

On the island, Tamdrin often feeds the fish late at night, working until dawn. Although it's tiring, he finds what he does fascinating because it's entirely different to the life he led in the highlands, and he says it feels like living in another world.

Staying with a group of peers his age has been his most valuable experience.

"We were strangers at first, sharing meals and living on the island together, gradually getting to know and understand each other. I find this process interesting. My Mandarin has also improved a lot, thanks to talking to them," he says.

For Si Junyi, another reality show participant, who has been boarding since junior middle school, communal living is more familiar. He believes this experience enhanced his empathy, allowing him to better recognize the emotions of others and respond appropriately, which helps maintain a harmonious group dynamic.

From the moment he arrived on the island, he began engaging with local residents to understand their concerns, and with tourists to learn their needs.

A graduate in economics from Ohio State University, Si is seeking entrepreneurial opportunities and this experience has provided him with insights into entrepreneurship.

"In the show, we're like a big company, with each department doing different things, but all ultimately aiming to promote Yushan tourism."

The young men's 120-day journey is nearing its end. What they have offered the island will take time to bear fruit, but what the island has offered them has already enriched their lives.