Perched at an altitude of 998 meters on the outskirts of Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, lies Kuliang—known as "Guling" in Mandarin. For over a century, this serene hillside has served as more than just a scenic retreat; it has been a sanctuary of cross-cultural connection and enduring friendship.
Since the 1880s, Kuliang became a focal point for expatriates living in Fuzhou. They transformed the landscape, constructing summer villas, hospitals, tennis courts, swimming pools, and post offices. More importantly, these developments fostered deep, lasting bonds between the foreign residents and the local community, turning the hillside into a symbol of international harmony.
Among those whose lives were permanently shaped by Kuliang was Milton Gardner, an American physics professor. Brought to Fuzhou by his parents in 1901, Gardner spent ten formative years in the region. Although the Gardner family returned to the United States in 1911, the memories of the lush hillside remained etched in his heart. For the rest of his life, Kuliang was a place of longing—a childhood home he desperately wished to revisit.
The emotional weight of this connection was most evident in Gardner's final moments. On his deathbed, he uttered the word "Kuliang," leaving his wife, Elizabeth Gardner, puzzled by the mysterious term she had heard him mention throughout their lives.
The mystery remained unsolved for years until 1990, when Elizabeth discovered eleven stamps left behind by her late husband. Each stamp bore a clear postmark: "Foochow · Kuliang." With the assistance of a Chinese student in the US, she finally uncovered the truth—that the word her husband had carried with him until the end was a tribute to a hillside in Fuzhou.
The story of the Gardners and Kuliang serves as a poignant reminder of the human connections that transcend borders and time, reflecting a legacy of friendship that continues to resonate today.
Reference(s):
Century-old Kuliang story reflects enduring China-US friendship
cgtn.com
