Stuart Wiggin, a British social media content creator.
“As a foreigner who has lived in China for 18 years, it is also my mission to tell Chinese stories well,” said Stuart Wiggin, a British vlogger and social media content creator, upon receiving the Friendship Envoy Award at the 2025 Orchid Awards Ceremony on July 10, 2025 in Beijing.
Over the past decade, Wiggin has published hundreds of vlogs on social media platforms, sharing authentic and objective perspectives on China to foster cultural exchange and deepen global understanding of the country.
His journey through China began in 2007 during a graduation trip, where the palpable enthusiasm and confidence surrounding Beijing’s 2008 Olympics captivated him. “The vibrancy of Chinese culture, alongside the deep sense of history I felt when walking through the hutongs, made me fall in love with the city,” Wiggin recalled. This experience decided him to learn Chinese and explore the country more deeply.
Living in China has taken Wiggin to countless cities and villages, immersing him in diverse local customs. Since 2017, he has documented these explorations in his playful series, Stu in China, capturing his candid interactions with everyday Chinese people.
Among his most impactful experiences was a journey aboard a “slow train for public good” in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. This trip highlighted the train’s vital role in supporting remote communities and alleviating poverty. Onboard, he conversed with many locals. “My conversations with the school children were fun and full of laughter, and served as a reminder of how welcoming and friendly Chinese people are,” said Wiggin.
Another memorable experience was training with China’s National Flag Guard Platoon in Beijing, which profoundly demonstrated the depth of Chinese patriotism. He was amazed at the guards’ resilience and discipline. “I was unable to complete the easiest of tasks, so I am forever in awe of those guards. They make difficult movements look effortless,” said Wiggin.
Stuart Wiggin (third from right) receives the Friendship Envoy Award at the 2025 Orchid Awards Ceremony on July 10, 2025 in Beijing. Photos courtesy of the Orchid Awards Secretariat
Driven by his passion for Chinese culture, Wiggin has also taken his parents on trips to many cities in China, documenting their adventures in a dedicated series. His fans also gave his parents Chinese names. Wiggin noted that each visit leaves his parents astonished, not only by China’s rich culture and natural beauty, but also by everyday conveniences and efficiencies uncommon in Britain. “My father in particular loves China’s high-speed rail. He wishes the U.K. had similar infrastructure and services. I hope they can visit again in the future,” said Wiggin.
Beyond culinary adventures, Wiggin’s recent vlogs spotlight China’s rapid technological advancement. He said that the pace of China’s technological innovation is dizzying. “When I attended the Robot half marathon in Beijing, it felt as if I was getting a glimpse into the future,” said Wiggin. He observes this innovation is permeating the entire society, evident in train and subway stations or even at motorway toll booths, manned by robots. “It’s exciting to see, and I try hard not to take it all for granted.”
Feedback on social media platforms, Wiggin noted, reveals foreign audiences increasingly engaging with nuanced aspects of modern Chinese culture, moving beyond stereotypes. “However, misconceptions do linger, and hopefully that’s where my content can help, dispelling misconceptions and showing people the reality of life in China,” said Wiggin.
Driven by a desire to retire in China with his wife, Wiggin applied for China’s Five-Star Card, the foreign permanent resident ID card, and became one of the first 50 recipients in December 2023. He emphasized the card’s convenience, especially for travel, and its role in securing social services, solidifying his future in the country.
Reflecting on 18 years of profound changes in the country, Wiggin expressed particular admiration for the growing cultural confidence among young Chinese. He also highlighted significant environmental improvements, even within large cities. A key change impacting his video content has been the relaxation of tourist visa policies, enabling more people to experience China firsthand and see with their own eyes how incredible China is.
Choosing to live and work in China has fundamentally reshaped his worldview. Influenced by Chinese culture, he now approaches everything with a broader perspective, particularly valuing the emphasis on family. “Cultural exchange and development are extremely significant because they promote mutual understanding, and that is essentially the key to achieving peace and harmony,” said Wiggin.
