A delegation of 30 young residents from the Taiwan region concluded an eight-day cultural journey through Shandong province, blending history, tradition, and cross-strait camaraderie. From exploring Confucius heritage sites to honoring war heroes, the trip highlighted shared cultural roots and youth-driven dialogue.
The group visited Qufu’s Temple of Confucius, where one participant shared: "In Taiwan, we pray for exams at Confucius temples—this time, I prayed to build my career as a civil engineer!" Hsiao Hsu-tsen, leader of the delegation, emphasized that rituals honoring figures like Confucius and the Yan Emperor symbolize "spiritual bonds connecting both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
Ahead of Qingming Festival, the delegation paid tribute at the Taierzhuang War Memorial, laying flowers to commemorate resistance heroes. Participants also explored a cross-strait themed park, sparking lively exchanges with mainland peers.
"The more we understand each other, the fewer misunderstandings there’ll be," stated Hsiao, whose foundation has organized multiple exchanges this year. Plans are underway to invite 40 mainland students to Taiwan in late 2024, deepening people-to-people ties.
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The group visited Qufu’s Temple of Confucius, where one participant shared: "In Taiwan, we pray for exams at Confucius temples—this time, I prayed to build my career as a civil engineer!" Hsiao Hsu-tsen, leader of the delegation, emphasized that rituals honoring figures like Confucius and the Yan Emperor symbolize "spiritual bonds connecting both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
Ahead of Qingming Festival, the delegation paid tribute at the Taierzhuang War Memorial, laying flowers to commemorate resistance heroes. Participants also explored a cross-strait themed park, sparking lively exchanges with mainland peers.
"The more we understand each other, the fewer misunderstandings there’ll be," stated Hsiao, whose foundation has organized multiple exchanges this year. Plans are underway to invite 40 mainland students to Taiwan in late 2024, deepening people-to-people ties.
2024 Confucius Cultural Festival Kicks Off in Qufu…
