BEIJING, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Benjamin, an American "son-in-law" of southwest China's Chongqing City, is now an internet celebrity with over 900 thousand followers on social media.
Benjamin loves Chongqing hot pot, can do traditional Chongqing finger-guessing game, and can speak fluent Chongqing dialect. His video clips featuring life in Chongqing went viral online.
In 1994, Benjamin came to China as an exchange student. Later he became an English teacher at Sichuan International Studies University in 1997, an owner of three bars in 2017, and a social media influencer in 2018.
Benjamin has witnessed the rapid development of Chongqing over the past 26 years.
"Life is really convenient here in Chongqing, not only in the city, but also in rural areas," said Benjamin. "I love Chongqing the most."
Benjamin tastes Chinese food before the family reunion dinner ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Chan)
Benjamin toasts with family members at the family reunion dinner ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Screen shot by Liu Chan shows Benjamin sending Chinese New Year greetings with his son on social media ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Liu Chan)
Benjamin poses for a group photo with his family ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Benjamin introduces preserved sausage to the audience on social media before the family reunion dinner ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Liu Chan)
Benjamin and his mother-in-law prepare the family reunion dinner ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Benjamin prepares the family reunion dinner ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Benjamin entertains a dog ahead of the Spring Festival in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 10, 2021.(Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Benjamin and his wife play with their kid at home in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Dec. 28, 2020.(Xinhua/Liu Chan)
This undated photo provided by Benjamin shows the wedding picture of Benjamin and his wife.
This undated photo provided by Benjamin shows the group photo of Benjamin and his schoolmates during their study in China in the 1990's.■
