Show takes cultures beyond formal diplomacy

Imagine a Chinese pop idol waking up as a Maasai herder under the vast African sky, living with the chief's family; at the same time, a tribesman from the vast grasslands of northern Tanzania becomes a livestreamer in China's high-tech megacity Hangzhou in Zhejiang province.

This isn't a fantasy — it's the bold premise of Serendipitous Journeys, a hit reality show streaming on the video-sharing platform Mango TV.

Premiering in June, the series follows celebrity couple Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang as they trade places with young locals in Tanzania and Sri Lanka, creating genuine cross-cultural connections and people-to-people bonds.

Breaking away from typical travel programs, the show dives into authentic human experiences rather than just showcasing picturesque landscapes. Participants don't just visit, they fully immerse themselves in their hosts' daily routines, from morning chores to traditional livelihoods.

In the first episode, Xu, an avid crystal collector, travels to Tanzania to stay in the home of Dorice John Mkenga, whose family makes a living from mining and crafting tanzanite gems (a gemstone only found in Tanzania).

From descending into the mines to observing master craftsmen transform rough stones into dazzling gems, Xu gained a profound appreciation for this rare African treasure.

"The brilliance of tanzanite mirrors Africa's radiant beauty," she reflects, encouraging audiences to discover the continent's rich cultural traditions and spectacular landscapes.

Back in China, Mkenga was having her own transformative experience.

Dressed in hanfu, a traditional Chinese garment, she steps into Xu's professional world under the studio lights, attempting to do livestreaming e-commerce from a Hangzhou studio.

In upcoming episodes, audiences will witness Huang and Xu exchange lives with a Sri Lankan couple — Amanda Dias, a homestay owner, and her husband Umesh Koralagama, a professional chef.

The Sri Lankan pair will travel to Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province and Huang's hometown, where they'll attempt to manage a local homestay, while Huang and Xu will become immersed in Sri Lanka's rainforest and island lifestyles.

The show's dedicated production team made these cultural exchanges possible with 52 crew members moving 1.5 tons of equipment. Drone teams captured stunning aerial footage of Sri Lanka, while ground crews authentically documented everything from shared meals to market bargaining — revealing universal human connections.

At a recent tourism promotional news conference held in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Arun Hemachandra, the country's deputy minister of foreign affairs and foreign employment, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and artistry of the program's producers, which authentically showcase Sri Lanka's natural beauty, culture and daily life.

"We also recognize the positive influence of international artists and media personalities who visited and engaged with our communities, helping build human connections that go beyond formal diplomacy," he says.

Hemachandra states that as Chinese travelers' interest in Sri Lanka continues to grow, the country remains committed to enhancing accessibility and hospitality through policy support, improved connectivity, and targeted engagement with Chinese stakeholders.

He emphasizes that Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of heritage, nature and hospitality, creating an unforgettable travel experience. Beyond being just a destination, Sri Lanka aspires to be a long-term partner in cultural and tourism exchanges with China.

Looking ahead, he expresses eagerness for more initiatives that promote mutual learning, shared growth, and sustainable cooperation between the two countries.