Lai Zhengwei, hailing from Taipei, has called Pingtan Island home since 2019. Over the years, he has not only immersed himself in Pingtan's traditional Cane Shield Exercise but has also learned to speak the local Pingtan dialect. His fervor for Pingtan's cultural tapestry not only enriched his knowledge but kindled a profound love for this beautiful island, which sits as the closest point on the mainland to the island of Taiwan.

Inspiring Growth through a Psychological Lecture

In Lai's recent psychology lecture, he won over a group of lively sixth graders with engaging stories about tadpoles and caterpillars at a local primary school. Giving full attention to this post-90s young man from Taiwan, the kids occasionally erupt in laughter.

Post-lecture, students expressed their surprise at finding psychology lectures so interesting. Gao Zhenxuan, a student from Class 5, remarked, "I didn't expect psychology lectures to be so much fun."

As Lai exited the classroom, a group of students surrounded him, expressing their desire for more such sessions. Lai shared, "The children have given me a lot to think about. The short stories in this lecture, although brief, contain many valuable lessons. These are cases from my psychology studies that I have never forgotten, and they are suitable for learning with the children."

Having worked as a cultural volunteer at the Cross-Straits Guoxue Center based in Pingtan in 2021, Lai began sharing traditional Chinese lectures, such as "Cai Gen Tan," with students at Pingtan No.1 Middle School. The success of these lectures led to invitations from various schools on Pingtan Island where he conducted well-received psychological lectures.

Lai, who pursued graduate studies in sociology at Aletheia University in Taiwan, developed an interest in psychology after taking an intriguing social psychology course. While working as a psychological counselor in Taiwan’s hospitals and schools, this marked his first experience lecturing on psychology to elementary and middle school students.

He finds meaning in bringing psychology to campuses, aiming to foster healthy mental well-being. Lai expressed his hope to visit every school on Pingtan Island to share insights.

Chasing Roots: Becoming a Torchbearer for Cane Shield Exercise

In May 2019, during his first visit to Pingtan, Lai fell in love with the island. Despite working as a new media operator and manager at a local hospital, Lai harbored a dream of reconnecting with his roots. He shared, "I saw the formation diagram of the Cane Shield Exercise at the Taipei Palace Museum, and although I had a basic understanding of it in Taiwan, it was here that I developed an interest."

In 2022, Lai joined the Pingtan Cane Shield Exercise Association, where he received mentoring from Chen Wenying, the fifth-generation inheritor of Pingtan Cane Shield Exercise. Learning about the history of the Cane Shield Exercise, Lai was inspired to become a torchbearer for this traditional art form.

Driven by this aspiration, Lai practiced tirelessly, seeking guidance from Cane Shield Exercise masters and honing his skills. His dedication paid off as he passed the assessment, becoming the first Taiwanese inheritor.

Furthermore, Lai obtained a Tai Chi coach certificate, demonstrating his commitment to promoting Pingtan culture through multiple avenues. He explained, "Learning Cane Shield Exercise and Tai Chi is my way of using my means to spread Pingtan culture to more people and pass it on to future generations."

Balancing the roles of a bone setter, counselor, and the first Taiwanese inheritor of Pingtan Cane Shield Exercise, Lai finds fulfillment in his current state. Despite occasional challenges, he enjoys the process of discovering the meaning of life.

Having spent four years working and living on Pingtan Island, Lai has formed close bonds with the local community and developed a profound appreciation for island life and cuisine. He eagerly shares Pingtan's culinary delights with family and friends in Taiwan during holidays, considering Pingtan his second home. Looking ahead, Lai envisions continuing to embrace the idyllic island life in Pingtan, savoring its beauty and culture.