Brian Linden’s odyssey, from a modest upbringing in Chicago to assuming the role of a “foreign village chief” in Yunnan province, is truly motivational. Born in 1962, Linden took on night – shift jobs to finance his studies at Northeastern Illinois University. His life took a significant turn when he learned about the Chinese government scholarships available for foreign students. “Getting the notice that my education would be sponsored was the most valuable present I’ve ever got,” Linden stated in an interview with Chinanews.com.
During his time at Beijing Language and Culture University, Linden became proficient in Mandarin. He also appeared in films and worked at CBS News, where he had the opportunity to interview prominent Chinese leaders such as Deng Xiaoping. In 1987, he met his wife, Jeanee, in Nanjing. The couple then explored various cities including Shanghai, Guilin, and Dunhuang, and were deeply impressed by the friendliness of the Chinese people.
After finishing his studies, Linden pursued a PhD at Stanford University and later worked for a multinational company, traveling to more than 110 countries. However, he was disheartened by the lack of understanding that many people had about China. As a result, he made the decision to return to China and tell its stories.
In 2004, Linden and his wife made Yunnan province their home. By 2008, with the support of the local community, they transformed an old residence into “The Linden Centre”, a place for cultural exchange. “The locals embraced me like I was one of them,” Linden recalled. “Our aim was to refurbish the old mansion and turn it into a hotel that also served as a platform for cultural exchange.”
In January, Linden opened his sixth Linden Centre, persistently fulfilling his mission of promoting Chinese culture. His story has struck a chord with many. One netizen commented, “China’s allure is undeniable: even foreigners are eager to stay and become ‘village chiefs’ here!”
