His frequent work travels across US left him amazed by widespread lack of understanding about China, motivating him to bridge that gap
An American man has captivated many with his inspiring tale of becoming a "foreign village chief" in the picturesque southwestern Yunnan province, following his adventurous exploration of 110 countries and his studies in China.
Born in 1962 to a humble family in Chicago, Brian Linden worked night shifts cleaning carpets to finance his education at Northeastern Illinois University after completing secondary school.
His life took a significant turn when he discovered scholarships offered by the Chinese government for foreign students. Recognising this rare opportunity, he nervously submitted his application to a Chinese embassy in the US.
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"In the 1980s, as China was just beginning its reforms and emerging from being one of the poorest countries while the US was among the richest, receiving the decision to sponsor my education as a struggling American youth was the most precious gift I've ever received. That generous act inspired me to return to China," Linden reflected during an interview with Chinanews.com.
While attending Beijing Language and Culture University, Linden lived a vibrant and diverse life.
He not only mastered Mandarin but also acted in the film He Came From Across the Pacific and worked at CBS News, where he conducted interviews with Chinese leaders, including Deng Xiaoping.
In 1987, he met his wife, Jeanee, a Chinese-American, in Nanjing. Together, they journeyed across China by train, exploring cities like Shanghai, Guilin, and Dunhuang, and were deeply touched by the warmth and kindness of the Chinese people.
The couple have two sons.
After completing his studies in China, Linden returned to the US in 1988 to pursue a PhD at Stanford University, later joining a multinational corporation specialising in international education, which enabled him to visit over 110 countries.
However, his frequent travels between the East and the West left Linden astounded by the limited understanding many had of China, prompting him to return and share the country's untold stories to help bridge that gap.
In 2004, Linden and his wife made the decision to settle in Yunnan province. By 2008, with the support of the local community, they renovated an old residence over two years, naming it "The Linden Centre," or Xi Lin Yuan in Chinese.
"When Jeanee and I returned to Yunnan in 2004, we fell in love with Xizhou county in Dali. It is home to over 10 ethnic groups, including the Bai, Han, Hui, and Naxi, with numerous traditional buildings beautifully preserved," he shared.
"The locals welcomed me as one of their own, treating me with fairness and inclusivity. As an 'American ethnic minority,' I felt completely at home here, which is why I ultimately chose to settle," he explained to Chinanews.com.
"Our goal was to restore the old mansion to its former glory and convert it into a hotel that would serve as a venue for cultural exchange between China and the world," Linden elaborated.
In January, Linden opened his sixth Linden Centre, marking an exciting new chapter in his mission to promote Chinese culture.
His story resonates deeply across China, with one netizen commenting: "China's charm is unmistakable: even foreigners aspire to stay and become 'village chiefs' here!"
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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2025-02-04T10:21:33Z