STORY: Canadian expat explores festive traditions in ancient city in China's Guangdong
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 8, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 16, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:47
LOCATION: SHENZHEN, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP 1 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JOSHUA and Daughter of shop owner
3. STANDUP 2 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
4. STANDUP 3 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): JOSHUA and Barista
6. STANDUP 4 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province

STORYLINE:

STANDUP 1 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
"Hey it's Joshua, and today we're about an hour south of Guangzhou in the city of Jiangmen, exploring the rich history of the ancient town and the New Year's market. One of the items on the New Year's shopping list are couplets, which are hung beside the door of your home on the outside to ward off evil spirits, and bring in good luck for the New Year."

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JOSHUA and Daughter of shop owner
"Hello. May I ask which pair of couplets sell the best?"
"The one that reads 'Family Prosperity, Personal Success, and Career Advancement.'"
"What makes it so popular?"
"Because it carries best wishes for harmony of family, prosperity for individuals, and flourishing careers."
"Harmony and prosperity."
"Exactly."

STANDUP 2 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
"The overarching theme of the Spring Festival is about family reunion and coming home. In the West we have Christmas. Here in Jiangmen, there's another layer to that homecoming history. If you think that the buildings behind me seem to have a little bit of European flare, then you'd be absolutely right. About a hundred years ago, the overseas Chinese people were coming home to Jiangmen, and bringing with them a lot of architectural inspiration."

STANDUP 3 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
"This very funky coffee shop is in Jiangmen's Qi Ming Li, which is a slightly more rejuvenated part of the city's old town. And we're here to try and have a conversation with some young people and ask them what sort of opportunities do they find, and why did they stay here in Jiangmen. This coffee shop is a perfect example of the up-and-coming neighborhoods in cities of this tier."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): JOSHUA and Barista
"Hey there."
"Hi, how can I help you?"
"May I ask if you are a native of Jiangmen?"
"Yes, I am."
"Do most of your friends also stay in Jiangmen or have they relocated?"
"Some have stayed, while others have pursued opportunities elsewhere."
"I see. It seems this area is experiencing upscale development, isn't it?"
"Indeed. The economy is improving here. Many stores, especially coffee shops, are opening one after another."

STANDUP 4 (English): JOSHUA, Canadian expat living in China's Guangdong Province
"There you have it. Our day trip to Jiangmen has revealed to us a couple of interesting things. We've realized that compared to the last generation, many young people have chosen to stay here in Jiangmen. The last generation mostly moved to big cities in search of better opportunities, but now there are reasons to stay and pursue entrepreneurialism. There are lots of ways that young people can choose to stay close to home and still live a good life, maybe a quieter one, but good nonetheless. Thanks for watching."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Shenzhen, China.
(XHTV)