Indonesian overseas Chinese businessman Shen Jiaolong- The spirit of Chuanshan accompanies me as I fly south

**Interview with Indonesian Businessman Shen Jiaolong: How the Spirit of Ship Mountain Fuels His Southward Journey**

By: Lu Yi

“My ultimate goal is to attract 200,000 tourists from around the globe to Hengyang. I am confident that they will be enchanted by the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, especially the essence of Ship Mountain,” says Shen Jiaolong, an Indonesian entrepreneur who is perpetually inspired by his hometown of Hengyang.

With a robust background in the tourism industry, Shen has successfully facilitated the travel of nearly 200,000 Chinese tourists to Indonesia from 2017 to 2020. His initiatives significantly boosted the tourism sectors in Bali, Manado, and Batam while fostering cultural exchanges between China and Indonesia.

Growing up alongside the Leishui River, this native of Hengyang recognized early on that his aspirations extended beyond what his hometown could offer. After finishing high school at Leiyang No. 2, he pursued higher education in Hainan. Graduating from Qiongzhou University in 2002 with a degree in tourism, Shen began his career in the local tourism field. He started as a lecturer for a shopping company, eventually rising to mall manager and company leader. In 2012, he made the leap into entrepreneurship, and five years later, he ventured into Southeast Asian tourism, successfully penetrating markets in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos.

At 44, Shen now leads the Golden Rabbit Group and the Romantic Bali Tourism Company, building a business empire that includes shopping, hotels, travel agencies, and restaurants. “My guiding philosophy is to hold on to dreams while being adaptable,” he reflects. “This principle is rooted in the inspiring journey of Wang Shipan, a relentless dreamer who encountered great hardships.”

Wang Shipan, a philosopher from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, is a key figure in Hunan culture, and his practical mindset and dedication to applying knowledge have motivated numerous influential figures in contemporary China. Through Wang’s profound teachings, Shen began to explore his own aspirations.

“In my student days, I was intrigued by Wang Shipan, a name frequently mentioned in history classes and speeches. I found myself questioning his notable achievements and the true significance of the Spirit of Ship Mountain,” Shen recalls. Despite his efforts to uncover these answers through teachers and literature, clarity remained elusive until he visited Wang’s former residence and learned about his challenging life. It was there that he recognized the depth of Wang’s innovative spirit and the value of perseverance.

This experience prompted Shen to reflect on his ideals. “A good person should strive diligently and carve out their own path,” he emphasizes, understanding that this motivation propelled him beyond Hengyang and into broader horizons.

Shen’s business activities are diverse. In the beginning, he set up tourism shopping malls near famous attractions like Huangguoshu Waterfall, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang Ancient Town, and Mount Nanyue. After establishing a solid foothold in Indonesia, he extended his operations to global markets, drawing tourists from China, Russia, Turkey, India, Australia, and beyond.

“Indonesia sees over ten million tourists each year; alongside its breathtaking island vistas, the local culture and traditions are major attractions,” Shen states. Much like Hengyang, Indonesia is rich in cultural heritage, where the local communities—especially Chinese expatriates—hold deep respect for traditional customs. During the Spring Festival, lively temple fairs see communities come together to sing, dance, and exchange red envelopes, wishing each other prosperity.

“Chinese traditional culture captivates both overseas Chinese and international travelers I’ve met,” Shen shares. Hengyang, as a cultural hub, has often welcomed Indonesian partners to explore his hometown. Sites like Shigu Academy, Shipan Academy, and Mount Nanyue are essential stops, where his friends are consistently enchanted by the poetry and stories shared by knowledgeable guides.

“Seeing Hengyang grow into a cultural tourism powerhouse centered around its historical landmarks fills me with joy,” Shen says. Renovated sites like Wang Shipan’s former residence in Xiangxi, the new Fuzhi Tower on Dongzhou Island, and the historical areas along Zhongshan South Road have become fantastic tourist attractions.

“This year, Hengyang is hosting the Hunan Tourism Development Conference, gaining increasing recognition,” he adds. “Moreover, China’s recently implemented 144-hour visa-free transit policy creates opportunities for visitors worldwide to explore China and Hengyang.” Shen is eager to seize these opportunities to identify suitable investment projects in local tourism, allowing more people to discover and engage with his cherished hometown.