Program makes connection with unsung heroes

A special program, Wuhan Connection, broadcast last week on Shanghai's Dragon TV, struck a chord with audiences.

The two hosts, actor Jia Nailiang and comedian Wang Zulan, chatted with people and front-line workers in Wuhan, Hubei province via video call, while both parties were having a virtual meal, or "cloud eating", to bring out the fun. The audience appreciated their positive attitude and action in fighting the epidemic.

The program was the latest episode to air after the channel's gourmet reality show Dear, Come and Eat was placed on hiatus during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Unlike other reality shows, Wuhan Connection is different in its form of paying tribute to those fighting the virus. The program sets its sights on workers who are also struggling at the front line but who garner less attention. They are the delivery bike riders, community security guards, chefs for the medical team, and even convenience store owners or ordinary Wuhan citizens who use their lens to record their daily lives.

"In special times, there is fighting and dedication everywhere. When ordinary life is no longer ordinary, countless ordinary heroes brave their way under the city's neon lights," one viewer stated in a comment posted on the channel's official Sina Weibo page.

In this episode, through a video connection with Zhu Gaopeng, a chef from Henan province, the audience got a precious insight into the work of the temporary canteen staff of Henan province's medical team in Wuhan.

Zhu is responsible for providing dietary support for the team. Hubei province has a spicy diet, but the Henan medical team is not used to too much spice. Therefore, six chefs, including Zhu, took the initiative and volunteered to go to Wuhan, in the hope of allowing these angels in white to enjoy authentic Henan dishes, such as the staple braised yellow carp and Henan stewed noodles.