Raj is a blogger from Nepal living in the China-Nepal border area, documenting life in border towns.
His videos have a unique "border perspective": busy ports, cross-border traders' routines, comparisons of the two countries' snacks. Borders are where two cultures blend most visibly, he says.
Raj documents border-town food: Tibetan noodles, butter tea, Nepali momo dumplings. Food crosses borders and becomes a common language for border residents, he says.
Nepal and China are neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, he says. From Kathmandu to Chinese border towns, he tells the stories of "neighbors" through his lens.
Raj is a Nepali life recorder settled in a Chinese border town, filming everyday life with videos. "Border towns hold the quietest life."
His choice: he chose a southwestern Chinese border town - Chinese vitality plus a unique cross-border atmosphere.
Content: "a Nepali border-town daily", "mornings at the border market", "a day of China-Nepal border trade" - the town unique life.
Going viral: his "in a border town I found the feeling of home" video spread - the pace and human warmth reminded him of Nepal.
Observations: "border towns are small but complete - markets, schools, restaurants, and neighbours from different countries."
Significance: he represents international residents of Chinese border towns - showing their peaceful life and cross-border exchange.
Plans: a "China-Nepal border life" series recording people-to-people stories.
For readers: his videos make you want to visit a Chinese border town - there, a different Chinese story awaits.
He also filmed "morning in a border town" - at 4am: market opening, steam from bun shops, carrying vendors, students catching early buses. "A small-town morning is the most lively part of the day." He found residents from several countries greeting each other in their own languages. "A border does not divide; it connects" - his lens records that connection.
He chose the border town not to escape big cities but because "here I see the original shape of life" - "small towns carry no labels; people simply deal with each other." He plans to film a full year of border-town life, recording the cycle of seasons and festivals. "After a year, I will hold a photo exhibition about this town." His lens keeps a diary for a small town.
"The border-town stars shine like Nepal - because sincere people live in both places."
"I can walk this town blindfolded now - it is already my second home."
"This town taught me: live days one at a time, make friends one by one."
