The 14th Cross-Strait (Xiamen) Cultural Industries Fair, which recently concluded in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, has been a focal point of cultural exchange and interaction between Taiwan and mainland China. This edition has been recognized as the grandest thus far, boasting the participation of over 2,300 companies and accommodating 4,200 booths. Impressively, 883 of these booths represented the vibrant culture and industries of nine cities and nine counties from Taiwan.
One of the many spotlight stories from the event was that of Wu Xiuqiong, a budding designer from Taipei. Wu’s products, inspired by the serene beauty of mountains and seas, captivated many. Her brand’s recognition at the fair was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the quality of design emerging from Taiwan. Wu commented on how the positive feedback from mainland businesses acts as a motivation for designers like her to continue introducing remarkable products to a broader audience.
The event was not just a showcase of products but also a melting pot of experiences and stories. Take, for instance, Cao Shengyong. Having initially set foot in the mainland in 2015, Cao currently holds the role of an operation manager at a company based in Xiamen. He emphasized the crucial role youth play in nurturing cross-Straits communication. Cao harbors a vision where young individuals from both Fujian and Taiwan immerse themselves in various cultural exchanges, fostering a genuine understanding of each other’s worlds through shared language and culture.
Such interactions are not isolated to this fair alone. Over the past years, many initiatives, like the Cross-Straits Youth Summit and Taiwan Youth Summer Camp, have emerged to strengthen the bridges of communication and development between Taiwan and the mainland.
Many young Taiwanese have grabbed these opportunities, seeking business and cultural engagements in the mainland. Among them is Fan Jiangfeng, a young entrepreneur and founder of an entrepreneurship base in Xiamen. Through his initiatives, Fan has aided approximately 20,000 Taiwanese youth in experiencing the mainland, and he’s championed several entrepreneurial endeavors.
The sentiment that culture plays an instrumental role in forging a sense of identity, especially among the younger generation in Taiwan, is something Fan strongly believes in. This sentiment is echoed by many, like Zhang Yijie. Now residing in Chengdu, Zhang has found both professional success and personal happiness since his move in 2018. From working in fitness to transitioning as a blogger, Zhang concentrates on sharing tales of Taiwanese residents in Chengdu, aiming to bridge any information chasms and foster understanding.
Similarly, Lin Ziyou, another Taiwanese who made Chengdu her home, believes in the power of intimate exchanges in strengthening cross-Straits friendships. Arriving in the mainland nearly a decade ago, Lin set up an activity center in Chengdu, introducing Taiwanese cultural and educational programs. For her, these connections stem from deep emotional ties and the promise of a harmonious future.
In summation, the 14th Cross-Strait Cultural Industries Fair stands as a testament to the enduring efforts to enhance collaboration, understanding, and shared prosperity between Taiwan and mainland China.
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