By outdoor-nature-child.com **Interview with Wu Bingyi: A Taiwanese Photographer’s Journey to the Mainland**
**Interviewer**: Wu, can you tell us about your first experience in Jinhua, Mainland China?
**Wu Bingyi**: Of course! I first arrived on the mainland in 2002. At that time, I was working as the general manager of a printing company in Shenzhen, Guangdong. Due to a shift in our operations, I was assigned to manage foreign trade in Yiwu, which is part of Jinhua. The climate and food there reminded me so much of Taiwan that I immediately felt at home. Moreover, Yiwu’s reputation as “the world’s small commodities city” really captivated me, and I decided to settle here without hesitation.
**Interviewer**: That must have been a big change for you. How has your photography evolved since you moved to Jinhua?
**Wu Bingyi**: For me, work has always been primarily about making a living, but photography has always been my true passion. I’ve dreamed of being a photographer for as long as I can remember. While I was managing my foreign trade company, I found time to nurture my photography. The fast-paced development of the mainland gave me the financial stability to pursue my artistic dreams, turning photography into my sanctuary.
**Interviewer**: What does a typical day look like for you as a photographer?
**Wu Bingyi**: On quiet afternoons, I grab my camera and explore the streets and alleys of the city. I observe the surroundings closely and think deeply, capturing the energy and changes in urban life. Each photograph I take tells a distinct story, preserving vivid memories of the moments I’m fortunate to capture.
**Interviewer**: You’ve mentioned an impactful experience that inspired your project “Elderly Happiness Canteen.” Can you tell us more about that?
**Wu Bingyi**: Absolutely, that moment was pivotal for me. One day, I heard about a home-based elderly care service in Yiwu where residents could enjoy a nutritious meal for just two RMB, with the government covering the rest. It struck a chord with me and reminded me of my mother back in Taiwan, who also needs care. I thought, “This is the kind of life I hope for my mom.” That moment pushed me to start documenting the happiness these seniors experience in their daily lives.
**Interviewer**: That sounds incredibly fulfilling. In the past five years, how many villages have you visited for this project?
**Wu Bingyi**: I’ve visited over 50 villages in Yiwu that offer home-based elderly care services. Through my lens, I’ve captured the warmth and joy of the elderly—whether it’s an older man leaning on his cane with a content smile or two neighbors chatting while waiting for their meals, each moment narrates its own unique story about the beautiful twilight of life.
**Interviewer**: You’re not just a photographer; you serve as a cultural ambassador as well. How do you view your role in fostering cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland?
**Wu Bingyi**: It’s very important to me. As a member of the Chinese Photographers Association and the head of the Taiwan Photographers Exchange Association’s Zhejiang branch, I actively promote cultural exchanges between both sides. My work has opened doors for many Taiwanese photographers to experience the rich culture and creative opportunities available here on the mainland.
**Interviewer**: Your studio is situated in a location with rich historical significance, isn’t it?
**Wu Bingyi**: Yes, my studio is located in the ancient town of Youbu, which is the hometown of the famous Chinese photographer Lang Jingshan. The town is steeped in cultural heritage, and because I often conduct photography excursions here, the locals affectionately refer to me as “Taiwan Old Wu.”
**Interviewer**: What do you envision for the future of cross-strait cultural exchanges?
**Wu Bingyi**: The bond between Taiwan and the mainland is profound, connected by mountains and seas. I see the world much like a long lens, and through my photography, I strive to tell the intertwined stories of our two regions.