Hong Kong kung-fu legend Jackie Chan receives a set of handcrafted gifts created by Taizhou-based intangible cultural heritage artisan Xu Jianmin. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfabu]

The film Whispers of Gratitude premiered nationwide on Jan 1, with a promotional event held in Wuhan drawing special attention for an unexpected cultural moment involving international action star Jackie Chan.

At the roadshow, the film's producer Shen Jingxi, a native of Taizhou, presented Chan with a set of handcrafted gifts created by Taizhou-based intangible cultural heritage artisan Xu Jianmin.

The trio included a finely carved seal bearing Chan's portrait, a personalized seal engraved with the words "Jackie Chan Collection", and a copper relief artwork commemorating Taizhou's championship in the inaugural Jiangsu Football City League.

A copper relief artwork commemorating Taizhou's championship in the inaugural Jiangsu Football City League. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfabu]

Chan accepted the gifts with visible delight, noting that he follows the league and praising Taizhou's team for its remarkable win. He also recalled a past visit to Taizhou, describing the city as truly beautiful.

Whispers of Gratitude tells the story of a group of strangers who come together by chance to form a temporary family, discovering genuine bonds through moments of laughter and tears. In the film, Chan takes on a refreshing departure from his usual roles, portraying a warm yet absent-minded father figure.