by Parker Walker, Photo/video by Wang Yiling

When reporter from iChongqing saw the glow on his face and knew that he had something interesting to say.  “I just got married” Mark Cellitti beamed with happiness as he gestured to his Chinese wife by his side. In an interview with iChongqing, at the Chongqing Global Travel Agents Conference, Mark shared his love story with us, which typifies the best of the cultural communication that is happening between the US and China. 

Mark Cellitti and his Chongqing wife Yin Na interviewed by iChongqing.

“I met her in China and she brought the spice of Chongqing to Seattle”, he said.  “She is an expert in the art of Chinese tea and has taught in Seattle.  Americans don’t know much about a cultural thousands of years old, and could learn more.”

A Honeymoon on the Yangtze River 

      Mark first connected with his wife online through the Seattle – Chongqing Sister City Association and developed a business together.  His wife then later went to Seattle and met Mark, and the rest is history.  The couple, who shared the same birthday, got married the day after their birthday and went on a Yangtze River cruise for their honeymoon.  

A Love for Chongqing

Mark’s love of his wife is also a love of Chinese – and Chongqing culture.  Mark started a blogging website devoted to Chongqing (www.ilovechongqing.org) as well as a travel company to provide tours and showcase its scenery and history in order to get Chongqing noticed.  He is even working on a movie production which he calls “bilingual and bicultural”, set in Chongqing.  Whether it is the history, spice, look of the city or its people, Mark is adamant that Chongqing deserves notice from abroad.

Watch the video and share the love story of  Mark and Yin Na!