A heartwarming story involving staff from Xianfeng County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Hubei and local residents has captured widespread attention online. They collectively purchased over 8,000 jin of apples in just 19 hours from ailing vendor Ji Yaozhong, who is from Yangxian County in Shaanxi. This act of kindness has forged a deep bond between the two small towns, separated by the Qinling and Wuling mountain ranges.
On May 6 and May 7, Yangxian County in Shaanxi and Xianfeng County in Hubei each released open letters announcing that residents from both areas will enjoy mutual free admission to local tourist attractions for one year. This goodwill was communicated through their respective official social media accounts.
The compassionate act moved many residents in Ji Yaozhong's hometown. Numerous netizens from Yangxian expressed their gratitude online, with comments such as, "True friendship is revealed in times of need. Thank you to the kind people of Xianfeng," and, "Small acts of kindness gather into a warm current of humanity, warming the hearts of those far from home. We applaud the people of Xianfeng!"
On the evening of May 6, the official "Yangxian Release" account published a letter addressed to Enshi Prefecture in Hubei. The letter stated that, to repay the profound friendship shown by the people of Xianfeng and to deepen cultural exchanges, starting from May 7, 2026, all paid scenic spots in Yangxian will offer free admission for one year to residents of Enshi Prefecture. Visitors need only present their original valid ID card to enjoy free entry to key attractions such as Huayang Scenic Area, Cai Lun Memorial Temple, and the Crested Ibis Ecological Park. Additional services like shuttle buses and special experiences will be available for optional purchase. The invitation encourages people from Enshi to visit the "Home of the Crested Ibis," enjoy the Qinling landscapes, savor organic local cuisine, and strengthen the bond between the two regions.
Responding to this gesture, the "Xianfeng Release" account posted a reciprocal message on the morning of May 7, framing it as a "two-way interaction of goodwill and gratitude." Starting May 7, 2026, all paid scenic spots in Xianfeng County will offer one year of free admission to residents of Yangxian County in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi. Yangxian residents can gain free entry by presenting valid ID to visit Tangya Tusi Fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Pingba Camp Scenic Area (a National 4A-level attraction), and the Tangya River-Golden Cave Scenic Area (also a National 4A-level site). Xianfeng warmly invites all friends from Yangxian to visit, enjoy the local white tea, experience the natural "oxygen bar," explore the world heritage site, appreciate intangible cultural heritage performances, and watch the national "Village BA" basketball games.
This connection has deeper roots. Zhang Fuqing, a recipient of the "Medal of the Republic," dedicated over 30 years of his life to Enshi after leaving military service in 1955. Notably, Zhang Fuqing was originally from Yangxian County. An official from the Xianfeng County Culture and Tourism Bureau remarked that this chain of kindness is a continuation of the spirit of dedication embodied by the heroic Zhang Fuqing and reflects the mutual support and deep connection between the people of Shaanxi and Hubei.
Hubei and Shaanxi are geographically connected by the Qinling Mountains, and the two regions share historical, cultural, economic, and ecological ties. This heartwarming story has brought the two towns closer together in a symbolic handshake across the distance. The free admission policy represents a sincere and simple gesture of friendship—a genuine response of "you help me, I honor you with a city's welcome." This mutual courtesy is expected to pave the way for a lasting relationship between the two areas.
From the fragrant apples to the scenic landscapes, and from everyday kindness to cultural and tourism cooperation, the story exemplifies a beautiful "two-way exchange" worthy of celebration.
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