African wife with 15m followers hosts family's first China visit

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In a heartwarming story that has captivated millions, Rose, a Ugandan woman who has spent 11 years living in rural China, recently welcomed her mother and sister from Uganda for their first visit. 

Married to Wu Jianyun, a humble farmer from Zhejiang province, Rose’s life in China has been a journey of love, resilience, and cultural exchange, and this family reunion brought an outpouring of joy and curiosity from netizens.

Rose, who rose to fame as a social media influencer with over 15 million followers, has become a symbol of cross-cultural marriage and adaptation. Her journey began in 2015 when she arrived in China as a young woman seeking work. She met Wu, a man several years her senior, who had endured many hardships in life. Despite initial language barriers - relying on translation apps to communicate - the two forged a bond that overcame societal scrutiny and economic struggles.

On November 5, 2024, after navigating visa processes and years of anticipation, Rose’s mother and sister arrived in China. The emotional reunion brought tears to Rose’s eyes as she embraced her family, who had traveled across continents to see the life she had built. Determined to give them an unforgettable experience, Rose organized a packed itinerary, starting with visits to Shanghai’s iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Hangzhou’s serene West Lake.

For Rose’s mother and sister, the sights and sounds of China were nothing short of mesmerizing. Her sister marveled at the modernity and beauty of Chinese cities, exclaiming repeatedly how extraordinary the experience was.

The reunion reached its peak when Rose brought her mother and sister to her husband’s hometown in rural Zhejiang. Wu’s extended family went all out to welcome their guests, treating the occasion as a grand celebration. The centerpiece of the festivities was the preparation of traditional Chinese delicacies, including ma ci (glutinous rice cakes), a symbolic treat reserved for joyous occasions.

Rose’s mother and sister enthusiastically joined in the preparations, learning how to make ma ci and even attempting to pound the rice with traditional tools. The lively atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and dancing. Rose’s sister, despite being new to the traditions, embraced the experience wholeheartedly, winning admiration from Wu’s family.

During the meal, Rose’s mother, tasting ma ci for the first time, couldn’t stop praising its unique flavor. The family also prepared a feast of local dishes to honor their special guests.

Food played a central role in the family’s cultural exchange. The day after their arrival in the countryside, Rose and Wu decided to introduce dumpling-making to their Ugandan guests. Despite initial struggles with the technique, Rose’s mother and sister quickly caught on, impressing everyone with their enthusiasm. To ensure success, the family opted to steam the dumplings, which were met with delight at the dining table.

The joy of sharing these culinary traditions was evident as Rose’s mother exclaimed how beautiful the dumplings looked, and her sister eagerly devoured them, declaring them “truly delicious.” 

Rose’s story and the reunion with her family resonated deeply with Chinese netizens. Many expressed happiness for Rose, noting how far she had come since her humble beginnings. “Seeing Rose and her family so happy warms my heart,” one user wrote. “It’s a reminder that love and determination can overcome any challenge.”

Some viewers related to Rose’s emotional journey, sharing their own experiences of being married far from home. “I know what it feels like to miss your family,” one commenter said. “I’m glad Rose has built a happy life in China where she can now share her blessings.”

However, opinions were not unanimous. A small fraction of users expressed concerns about cultural and racial differences, suggesting that Chinese people should prioritize marrying within their own culture. Still, others dismissed such views, emphasizing that love transcends all boundaries. “Marriage is like water,” a commenter wrote. “Only those involved know if it’s warm or cold.”