Wrapping up a nine-day journey across the Chinese mainland, a delegation of young people from Taiwan region, led by Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), experienced the icy allure of Harbin. Despite temperatures dipping to -15 degrees Celsius, the warmth of the mainland’s winter wonderland left a lasting impression on the group.
On December 19, the delegation visited the iconic Sun Island, known as the “Urban Snow Village” for its annual snow sculpture expo. Immersed in the art of snow sculpting, the young visitors traded their usual routines for snow trowels and ice chisels, carving intricate designs under the towering snow sculpture of the “Great Wall.”
“The northern landscape is incredibly beautiful,” remarked one of the young participants. “It offers a completely different experience from Taiwan. I want to explore all three northeastern provinces.”
The visit not only showcased Harbin’s icy charm but also strengthened the bonds between the younger generations on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. At the opening ceremony of the Cross-Straits Youth Ice and Snow Festival, Ma Ying-jeou emphasized the importance of these exchanges.
“The enthusiastic exchanges between youths on both sides can melt even the hardest ice and snow,” Ma stated. He expressed hope that young students from Taiwan can visit the mainland more often, and likewise, mainland students will explore Taiwan more frequently.
“Such exchanges are deep. I am really impressed by the performances tonight,” said Yeh Shih-chun, one of the Taiwan youths attending the opening ceremony. “And there is always something deeply rooted in us that cannot be changed.”
The journey highlighted the shared cultural heritage and the potential for future collaboration between youths from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region. As the delegation departed, the memories forged in Harbin’s wintry landscape promised to inspire continued dialogue and understanding.
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From snow to sports: Mainland and Taiwan youths forge stronger bonds
cgtn.com
