Liao Yuan Ge (Left) pictured streaming Pingtan dialect rap in front of his barbecue stall

Liao Yuan Ge, a resilient islander from Pingtan, an island off E China's Fujian Province, has turned his life into an inspiring tale of resilience and passion. Despite a humble beginning, his love for music has never waned. In his spare time, he crafts rap songs in the Pingtan dialect, expressing his emotions and dreams.

Growing up, the wise sayings and proverbs shared by his grandmother left a lasting impact. The sayings, such as "Hard work can transform one's destiny" and "Everything is possible," instilled in him the virtues of self-reliance, diligence, and commitment.

Liao's fondness for rap led him to create his own songs, blending traditional dialect with modern beats. "I want to tell the fascinating stories of Pingtan through rap, a form of music that young people love," he said.

Liao Yuan Ge (Right) was still a naive teenager when he joined the army. [Photo provided by the interviewee]

In 2008, Liao joined the army and quickly proved his mettle. When the Wenchuan earthquake struck, he was among the first to respond, tirelessly working in rescue and relief efforts. His bravery earned him recognition as an "Outstanding Individual" in the Wenchuan earthquake relief.

After honorable discharge in 2009, Liao worked on construction sites, earning the respect of his peers for his hardiness. Upon hearing about the development opportunities in Pingtan, he decided to return home to pursue entrepreneurship.

Since 2014, Liao has been active in the barbecue catering business. His perseverance paid off as he transformed a roadside stall into a brick-and-mortar store. Although the store had to close due to the pandemic, Liao was undeterred and started anew, attracting a steady stream of customers with fresh ingredients, excellent cooking skills, and attentive service.

"Persistence is key in everything we do," Liao said, quoting a local saying, "If you don't use your hands for three years, even a master's hands become clumsy." He is not afraid of hardship and is committed to contributing to his hometown.

This year, Liao has welcomed several young people into his team, teaching them the art of barbecue and encouraging them to create a better life through hard work.

Liao Yuan Ge (Second from Right) poses with the team members of the barbecue business.

In addition to running his business and mentoring his apprentices, Liao continues to produce his "Pingtan Dialect Rap" series of short videos. "I hope more people will hear my Pingtan dialect rap, fall in love with speaking the Pingtan dialect and the island," he expressed.

Liao Yuan Ge's story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to find joy and purpose in the face of life's challenges. His music serves as a beacon, illuminating the rich cultural tapestry of Pingtan and the unyielding spirit of its people.