In the lush hills of Fujian province, an unexpected cultural bridge is thriving. The story of Kuliang – a scenic area near Fuzhou once home to American families in the early 20th century – is reigniting cross-Pacific connections through emotional reunions and shared memories.
Dubbed the ‘Kuliang spirit’ by locals, this bond began when hundreds of U.S. expatriates built summer homes in the region between 1880-1930. Today, descendants of those families are returning to retrace their roots, sparking grassroots diplomacy. ‘My grandfather’s diaries described Kuliang as paradise – now I understand why,’ said Elizabeth Lee, part of a recent delegation.
Modern collaborations continue this legacy: joint archaeology projects have uncovered over 100 historical artifacts, while youth exchange programs attracted 2,300 participants since 2019. Fuzhou University researchers recently partnered with UCLA to digitize century-old letters documenting early cross-cultural friendships.
‘This isn’t just nostalgia – it’s about writing new chapters together,’ noted historian Elyn MacInnis, whose family has chronicled Kuliang’s history. The site now features bilingual heritage trails and a cultural center opening later this year, symbolizing what organizers call ‘friendship without borders.’
As international tensions fluctuate, the Kuliang narrative offers a human-centered model for global cooperation. Upcoming initiatives include a youth film contest and sustainable tourism partnerships, proving historical bonds can fuel modern understanding.
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“Kuliang spirit" bridges American and Chinese people together
cgtn.com
