Prominent Taiwanese writer and historian Li Ao, 70, gestures at a news conference after he arrives at Capital International Airport in Beijing September 19, 2005. Li Ao is in Beijing to begin his mainland tour, his first trip in 56 years. (newsphoto)

Li Ao, a prominent Taiwan writer, outspoken TV commentator, historian and lawmaker, arrived in Beijing yesterday for his first visit to the mainland in 56 years.

Li, 70, said he was driven not by nostalgia but by curiosity, maintaining he did not come to see the old China he had lived in, but rather "to see the new China."

During a 12-day visit, he will speak to students at three prestigious universities Peking University tomorrow, Tsinghua University on Friday and Shanghai's Fudan University next Monday.

He will meet alumni of his former primary school in Beijing, visit the Palace Museum and participate in TV programmes and online chats.

Waving his new passport before departing Monday from Taipei, Li said he was eager to make his first trip since his family left the mainland in 1949.

After visiting Beijing, he will head to Shanghai, where he will give a lecture at Fudan University, before visiting Hong Kong prior to returning to Taiwan on September 30.

Last week, at a conference organized by Hong Kong-based Phoenix Satellite Television, Li said he hoped the trip would promote cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Straits.

Li was born in the city of Harbin in Northeast China and grew up in Beijing. At the age of 14, he moved with his family to Shanghai and from there to Taiwan in 1949.

He is well-known by mainland intellectuals for his satire, sharp commentaries and poignant criticism.

He is also credited as a staunch advocate of China's reunification, which he believes is "irresistible," and has maintained that the sooner reunification comes, the more beneficial it will be for Taiwan.

In a related development, Peking University authorities say Li will be permitted to read some ancient books, which are rarely shown to the public.

Beijing's No 4 Middle School, Li's alma mater, also says it plans to give him his student card as a gift.

Li published his autobiography in 2001. His novels include "Mountaintop Love." 

(Agencies)

outspoken: spoken without reserve; candid（坦白的，毫無保留地說的；坦率的）

poignant : piercing; incisive（尖銳的；尖刻的）