As the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting approaches, cross-strait cultural and economic connections are flourishing through tourism and youth engagement. Over 1.5 million residents of Taiwan visited the Chinese mainland in the first half of 2024, driven by growing interest in cultural heritage, natural wonders, and urban innovation.
Travelers from the island of Taiwan are exploring Beijing's historical museums, Zhangjiajie's UNESCO-listed landscapes, Chengdu's culinary hotspots, and Shenzhen's tech-driven metropolis. These journeys highlight shared cultural roots while showcasing the mainland's rapid development.
Youth exchanges are further bridging connections. Over 1,000 participants from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Hangzhou this June for the eighth Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum, fostering dialogue on innovation and shared aspirations. Such initiatives align with APEC's mission of regional cooperation as South Korea prepares to host next year's leadership meeting.
