loveforever
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On June 26, the "King of Pop" Michael Jackson died suddenly from a heart attack. All his Chinese fans felt regret that he never held a concert in Chinese mainland; however, 22 years ago Michael Jackson set foot on Chinese mainland for the first time and visited the city of Zhongshan during a holiday in Hong Kong. That was his only trip to the Chinese mainland.
Liu Guangzhi, who has now settled down in Maryland in the US, received Michael Jackson and his tour group on October 23, 1987, as the best English-speaking tour guide in Zhongshan City at that time.
Dark green coat, trim black pants, big sunglasses with a black frame, and a friendly and calm character, were his first impressions of Michael.
Visit to Yongmo Village in the town of Sanxiang
"He was deeply fascinated by the paddy fields, water buffaloes, ducks on the ponds and peaceful villages along the roads as well as the farmhouses which looked over 100 years old." Liu told reporters that the kindness of the rural residents and their simple life style deeply appealed to Michael Jackson.
"While he was walking on the blue slate road in Yongmo Village, he looked curiously at the infants in arms, greeted the kids in the village, and took photos with the old ladies basking in the sunshine." said Liu.
Two photos of Michael Jackson with the kids of Yongmo Village later appeared in his autobiography.
Visiting Sun Yat-sen's former residence
As part of the tour, Michael Jackson also came to the village of Cuiheng in the town of Nanlang to visit Sun Yat-sen's former residence and the Guangdong Sun Yat-sen Memorial Middle School.
Before he came to China, he did not know much about Sun Yat-sen. "In Sun's former residence, he was quite interested in the Chinese architecture. He asked me about Sun's life story, and seemed to admire him."
The picture of Sun wearing a "Chinese tunic suit" also aroused Michael's curiosity, and he inquired about the origin and design of the outfit. "It has been said that he commissioned tailors to design some 'Chinese tunic suits' for him when he returned to Hong Kong, and took the suits back with him to the US."
Commissioned his agent to mail a group photo to Liu after he returned to Hong Kong
Michael's consideration deeply touched Liu. "After he returned to Hong Kong, he commissioned his agent to mail me a group photo of us, which he signed."
The photos mailed to Liu include group photos of Michael with the kids and the elderly residents in Yongmo Village, which Liu later brought back to the village.
These photos are still well preserved and prominently displayed by the villagers in their houses.
"For us, this is a beautiful memory, and Jackson captured it for us. Although he has gone, we can still look at the photos and recall Michael's kindness and friendliness. He is a unique superstar, and we will remember him forever."
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