International super star Jacky Chan received a spicy reception from the people of Hunan during his first visit to the province last Tuesday. Chan was mobbed by enthusiastic crowds throughout his hectic tour.
A large crowd of fans had gathered long before the star was scheduled to arrive. They went up as one to welcome Chan and his entourage to their hometown.
What did the big man make of the crowd frenzy here in Hunan? Jack Chan said, "This is my first time here. People here are really hospitable."
Things got even more hectic as Chan prepared to leave. Jackie had never imagined that things would get this out of hand. The only way for him to take a breath was by sticking his head through the moon roof of the car he was riding in!
It took the super star a solid half hour to push his way out of the crowd that by this time was over one hundred meters thick!
Swamped by his welcomers, the super star appeared at College City, located at the foot of Mount Yuelu, where he was to give his autobiography I Am Jackie Chan to the students as a token of encouragement.
Jackie Chan said, "I hope that they do the best in their study, for these young people are the future of China, and China is the rising world power."
The press conference gave Jackie a chance to take a breath after a long day of hustle and bustle, but he did not get to rest for long. He took to the stage once again to accept the hefty gifts offered by the people of Hunan, including an super-sized calligraphic work, a complete collection of master artist Qi Baishi's works and the famous Hunan embroideries.
Observing the old Chinese saying "there's no take if you don't give", Jackie Chan gladly returned his host's generosity. The actor donated a gift close to his heart, the last in the series of Drunken Marshal Arts Master toys he has been collecting. The toys take their name from the form of marshal arts that resembles the movements of a drunken man.
Aiming to promote The Culture of the Dragon via this trip to Hunan, Jackie Chan also hopes to teach people about the experience he has gained through his career as an international movie star. He summed up his presentation the fitting song Hero With A True Heart.
The trip was brought to an end as Jackie Chan wrote out on the wall I Love You All.
(CCTV.com March 24, 2004)
