Prominent Taiwanese writer and political commentator Li Ao will visit the mainland from Sept. 19, his first trip in 56 years. During his seven-day visit, Li is expected to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong and to give lectures at Beijing, Qinghua and Fudan universities.

At a conference organized by the Phoenix Television on Monday, Li said he hoped his trip would promote culture exchanges between Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Li Ao is Taiwan's foremost scholar and historian. He is well known by mainland intellectuals for his satire, sharp commentaries and poignant criticism. Li Ao 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.