A delegation of young people from Taiwan, led by Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) party, embarked on a nine-day journey through Harbin, showcasing the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese mainland despite the harsh winter temperatures dropping to -15°C.
The visit, culminating on Thursday, included a stop at the iconic Sun Island, known as the \"Urban Snow Village\" for its annual snow sculpture expo. On December 19, the delegation engaged in snow sculpting, working under the impressive snow sculpture of the \"Great Wall.\" Equipped with snow trowels and ice chisels, the youths immersed themselves in the artistry, creating intricate designs that reflected their collaborative spirit.
One young participant shared his awe, stating, \"The northern landscape is incredibly beautiful. It offers a completely different experience from Taiwan. I want to explore all three northeastern provinces,\" referring to Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang. This sentiment highlights the unique cultural and environmental experiences that the Chinese mainland offers.
Beyond the scenic beauty, the delegation's visit aimed to foster stronger bonds between the younger generations of Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. Ma Ying-jeou emphasized the importance of these exchanges during the opening ceremony of the Cross-Straits Youth Ice and Snow Festival, expressing hope for more frequent visits between Taiwanese and mainland students.
\"The enthusiastic exchanges between youths on both sides of the Taiwan Straits can melt even the hardest ice and snow,\" Ma remarked. Yeh Shih-chun, a Taiwanese youth attending the ceremony, added, \"Such exchanges are deep. I am really impressed by the performances tonight, and there is always something deeply rooted in us that cannot be changed.\"
This initiative not only highlights the cultural and recreational opportunities in Harbin but also underscores the potential for youth-led diplomacy to bridge gaps and build lasting relationships across the Taiwan Straits.
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From snow to sports: Mainland and Taiwan youths forge stronger bonds
cgtn.com
