Cross-Strait youth bond over ethnic cultures in Guilin

Over 100 young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Guilin, Guangxi, on July 10 to wrap up a cultural exchange camp, deepening their connections while exploring Lingnan's diverse ethnic heritage.

Starting in Lianzhou, Guangdong, on July 8, the camp guided the group through various cultural sites. They explored Zhuang and Yao brocade workshops and also visited the Yao Ethnic Museum.

Then they went to Guilin, exploring West Street in Yangshuo and taking a cruise on the Lijiang River. Guilin's distinctive karst peaks, reflected in the rippling waters, amazed one Taiwan youth: "Seeing Guilin's mountains and Lianzhou's caves firsthand made the textbook descriptions feel real."

Immersive experiences included Bamboo Pole Dance, various ethnic cultural performances, and long-table banquets under Dong drum towers. Calligraphy displays, such as a couplet that says "Words carry affection through millennia," along with lively bonfire dances, enhanced community bonds.

One participant described culture as "a bridge of the heart", resonating with others who emphasized trust and friendship.

Designed to foster cross-Strait relations, the camp combined natural wonders with living traditions, demonstrating that shared heritage continues to be a lively bond connecting youth on both sides.