Wang Mingdian, Qingdao’s city image ambassador, is heading for the United States in October to deliver a speech on Chinese charity undertakings.

Wang returned from Jinan, the capital city of Shandong province, with his trophy cup as Qingdao’s new city image ambassador on Sept 25.

"It was absolutely a surprise for me, and I thought someone was kidding with me when I got the news that I won the cup,” Wang told a reporter. He was informed by the district publication department to submit his personal files and photos to the organization committee of the “Image Ambassador of Charming Qingdao” contest, co-sponsored by the Shandong provincial publication department and the committee of the Shandong International Cultural and Industrial Fair.

"I knew little about the Internet and the election was held online, so I totally forgot about this contest after delivering the relevant files. I never imagined that I would be elected as the ambassador,” Wang said.

Wang, a Qingdao resident and the manager of Yishanyuan Plantation and Zhengde Hotel, has been dedicated the public charity undertakings for 13 years. Despite Wang’s national achievements, he never forgot to contribute to his hometown and the people there, donating more than 3 million RMB ($450,000) to charities. As an entrepreneur with an annual income of hundreds of thousands of yuan, Wang leads a simple life and is now living in a shed made from containers.

"An American network company invited me to give a speech on the Chinese charities for the Americans,” Wang said. Wang is now applying for his American visa for the trip in October. The network company, after verifying the authenticity of Wang’s story, made the decision to invite him. The company also asked Wang for his personal files and photos and promised to set up a charity website for him.

"The website will be finished by the end of this year, and by then we can receive donations from all over the world,” Wang said.

By Audrey and Chen Zhilin