Blossoms Shanghai Photo: Courtesy of Tencent video

As mainland actor Hu Ge, the protagonist of popular TV drama Blossoms Shanghai, is participating a cultural exchange event in Taiwan island on Wednesday, the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office said that this provides an opportunity for young people across the Straits to communicate, and is welcomed by compatriots on both sides.

At the invitation of the Taipei Multimedia Production Association, mainland actor Hu Ge will have a dialogue and exchange with young film and television creators from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, told a press conference on Wednesday.

This marks Hu's first trip to Taiwan island in six years, according to media reports. The island's Mainland Affairs Council said on Tuesday that Hu's trip was applied in accordance with regulations and has been approved for entry by relevant authorities. 

The council also stated that it is pleased to see cross-Straits understanding being enhanced through film and television, and that mainland entertainment professionals are welcomed in Taiwan region to share their experiences in the industry.

According to island's media outlet China Times, Hu is a top male star from the mainland, having played numerous memorable roles. Hu also has many loyal fans in Taiwan island, and his playing of the male lead Ah Bao in the TV drama Blossoms Shanghai quickly became a 'binge watched' hit. 

Upon his arrival at Songshan Airport around 11 am, Hu was greeted by a throng of enthusiastic fans. When informed that Blossoms Shanghai had gained popularity in Taiwan, he expressed his gratitude and happiness. According to the China Times, Blossoms Shanghai will air in Taiwan on Friday on the exclusively My Video platform.

A fan surnamed Jiang began waiting for Hu at 9 am. She excitedly stated that she has liked Hu since Nirvana in Fire and the affection has been lasted for about six years. She hopes that in the future, Hu can come to Taiwan for filming.

According to media reports, cross-Straits film exchanges are gradually resuming. Zhang Yi, who starred in The Knockout, will go to Taiwan with actor Wei Chen to promote the movie Endless Journey. In addition, the director Dong Runnian and lead actor Da Peng of the phenomenon-level comedy film Johnny Keep Walking! that sparked a workplace discussion in mainland during the New Year's Day holidays will also participate exchange event in Taiwan island.

Global Times