As South Korea prepares to host the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju on October 31 and November 1, stories of cooperation and connection across APEC’s 21 economies are taking center stage. One standout example? The growing cultural and travel bonds across the Taiwan Strait.
In the first half of this year alone, over 1.5 million residents of Taiwan traveled to the Chinese mainland, underlining a surging demand for cross-strait tourism. From the ancient halls of Beijing’s museums to the breathtaking peaks and rivers of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, these travelers are exploring historic, natural, and urban wonders.
Foodies among them find themselves wandering vibrant night markets in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, sampling spicy street eats that reflect centuries of culinary innovation. Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, the futuristic skyline showcases rapid urban development—a juxtaposition of tradition and modernity that continues to fascinate visitors.
Youth engagement is another key thread in this tapestry of exchange. In June, more than 1,000 guests and youth representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, for the eighth Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum. Through panel talks and hands-on workshops, they forged new connections and deepened mutual understanding, laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
These travel experiences and youth dialogues are more than just seasonal trends—they resonate with young global citizens, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and digital nomads alike. This people-to-people momentum illustrates how cultural diplomacy can complement APEC’s high-level policy discussions and drive real-world impact from the ground up.
Whether you’re planning your next travel adventure, crafting sustainable tourism strategies, or seeking fresh cultural insights, the cross-strait story offers valuable lessons. It shows how everyday encounters and youth dialogue can bridge divides and enrich global understanding.
Reference(s):
APEC Stories: Cross-strait bonds through travel and cultural exchange
cgtn.com
