Chen Chusheng, champion of the 2007 Happy Boy television singing contest, went back to his home town in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province on Saturday, and the first time he has gone back since winning the coveted honour.
Chinanews network reports that Chen Chusheng will stay in his hometown for two days and attend several high- and low-key activities.
Chen was awarded as the 'image ambassador of Sanya travelling' and given a 100 thousand yuan prize on Saturday evening. Afterwards the ailing singer met his fans at a hotel and accepted gifts and well wishes from them.
It is reported that Chen Chusheng went back to his home at Sanya Licai Farm on Sunday, where he is to celebrate his 26th birthday with family and friends. It's also said that the affable and philanthropic new celebrity will donate all of his prize money to his former high school.
The after-effects of Chen Chusheng's win continue to be felt in Hainan Province where his music is played in stores, Internet bars and on the streets, and more and more people are beginning to learn the guitar because of him.
The whilom pub singer won first prize in the 2007 Happy Boy singing competition on July 20, 2007. The show was a spin-off of the hugely successful TV program Super Girls, a runaway hit over the last three years for the Hunan Satellite TV Station.
Chen Chusheng (L2) is awarded as the "image ambassador of Sanya traveling" in Sanya on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
Chen Chusheng (R) sits with his parents in Sanya on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
Chen Chusheng (in green) takes photos with his family in Sanya on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
Fans wait for Chen Chusheng in Sanya on Saturday, August 4, 2007.
(CRI.cn August 6, 2007)