|
Weibo, China's popular Twitter-like micro blog service, is playing a new and important role in promoting British culture and its national charisma to young Chinese people. Red Scarf in the United Kingdom, a popular Sina Weibo account, is based in London and introduces British style to the Chinese. It offers a wide range of information on the nation's customs, history, life, food, education, travel and shopping. From the royal family to table manners in England, from traditional British festivals to London's parks and sports, the varied information is "tweeted' across Weibo. The effort was first intended for Chinese students in the UK. "My aim is to help young Chinese, especially students, to live a better life in the UK and inspire others," says Guo Zhong, who started the Red Scarf Sina Weibo in 2010. A graduate of a British university, Guo also explains the name Red Scarf. Since 1949, almost every primary school pupil on the Chinese mainland has worn a red scarf - or honglingjin - to identify them as members of the Young Pioneers. It is a term easily recognized and remembered. The account provides knowledge and tips on studying and living in the UK to help Chinese students solve their problems and embrace the British way of life. It also has job opportunities. It evolved from a site providing practical information to students into a mass media outlet in Britain. | 
