"I often think that a patriotic heart for the youth is interlinked despite being in different times. I often ask myself whether I would make the same life choice if I had lived in the revolutionary era. My answer is yes, because patriotism always paints a bright backdrop for a young life."

Wang Yuan speaks at a UN conferenece. [Photo courtesy of Wang Yuan's team]

In April 2021, Wang Yuan, a young singer and actor, published an article entitled A Patriotic Heart for the Youth Is Interlinked in People's Daily, in which he wrote the above words.

NO COUNTRY, NO HOME

When Wang shared with us the moments he was especially proud of, he mentioned once he was about to deliver a speech at the United Nations.

He entered the room and found that the "CHINA" logo was arranged in the first row of the seats, which was very eye-catching. He said frankly: "I was very excited and proud at the time. Not only me, but many outstanding Chinese youths have also expressed their opinions and shone brightly at the UN. As a Chinese, the strength of the motherland gives me confidence."

The feeling to home and country has always been a deep-rooted cultural gene of Chinese people, and a cultural consciousness inherited from the Chinese civilization which has undergone its development and evolution of 5,000 years. Wang told us more about home and country.

He said that he enjoyed many patriotic films that came out in recent years. Apart from being shocked and touched by those movies, Wang would also think about what he could do for the motherland as a young man in the new era. In July last year, the movie 1921 he starred in was officially released; meanwhile he also participated in a celebration performance to commemorate the centenary of the CPC's founding. In different scenes, he felt the same strong emotions roused by the glory and prosperity brought about by the CPC. He said: "During the revolutionary era, countless people of my age left life and death out of consideration for the sake of their ideals and beliefs and the country's future. I am fortunate to live in the present era and not have to suffer what they suffered, but youths of our generation also have the mission of the new era. I have a lot to do and a long way to go."