Bendi Stories

Beyond the glitz of towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, beyond the allure of traditional Chinese architecture and breathtaking landscapes, lies a rich fabric of human narratives. Bendi 本地, meaning “local” in Chinese, inspired the creation of Bendi Stories. This WildChina video series explores the soul of China through the lens of its people, their untold stories, aspirations, challenges, and everyday lives, offering a glimpse into the authentic human experiences that define our China, the real China.

Can also be watched on
YouTube

17
Nov

Bendi Stories: A Life Around the Copper Pot

Inside a humble hotpot restaurant in Beijing, Mr. Peng has spent a lifetime preserving the flavors and spirit of his neighborhood. This is a story of food, memory, and the warmth that gathers around a copper pot.
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26
Sep

Bendi Stories: Knife Painting with Hu Qianyin

With each scrape of the blade, Hu Qianyin brings landscapes to life, his practice marked by patience and persistence.
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10
Jul

Bendi Stories: Searching for Downed WWII Planes in Yunnan’s Mountains

Discover how Kevin Wang is uncovering the legacy of the Hump pilots at WWII crash sites hidden deep in southern Yunnan’s mountains.
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25
Apr

Bendi Stories: Crafting Fine Wine in China’s Huailai Region

Explore how Wu Yefei is crafting wines from Huailai’s distinct terroir, contributing to the evolution of wine in China.
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26
Mar

Bendi Stories: A Family’s Musical Legacy in Chongzuo

In the southern reaches of China, Li Shaojun carries a ten-generation legacy, keeping the voice of the tianqin alive — one of the Zhuang people’s oldest and most meaningful instruments.
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28
Nov

Bendi Stories: The Young Designer Weaving Culture into Clothes at Shanghai Fashion Week

At Shanghai Fashion Week, young designers like Linxi Liu have a platform to innovate. Discover how hair becomes the thread of her storytelling.
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03
Oct

Bendi Stories: Infusing Innovation in Shanghai’s Tea Cocktails

Combining the elegance of traditional Chinese tea with the artistry of modern mixology, Li Yue's tea-infused cocktails reflect Shanghai's dynamic mix of old and new.
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29
Aug

Bendi Stories: Painting Huangshan with Mao Yinfu

In Huangshan, Mao Yinfu's paintings intertwine the mountain landscapes with Huizhou’s traditional architecture.
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09
Jul

Bendi Stories: Dragon Boat Festival Tea in Songyang, Zhejiang

In Songyang, Zhejiang Province, Ye Jinping artfully crafts Dragon Boat Festival tea, celebrated for its refreshing, medicinal qualities.
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