As millions journey home for China's 2026 Spring Festival, surname-themed cultural events are sparking heartfelt connections between travelers from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region. Major transportation hubs in Shanghai, Fujian, and Guangdong have transformed into vibrant cultural hubs this week, blending holiday cheer with ancestral discovery.
🎁 At Xiamen Railway Station, travelers like Hsieh Jui-feng from Kaohsiung paused their journeys to create traditional surname rubbings – a 2,000-year-old practice preserving family histories. 'This isn't just art – it's like time-traveling with your ancestors,' Hsieh told reporters while making a rubbing with his wife.
✍️ The free activities range from calligraphers crafting personalized fú (福) characters to gift packs containing genealogy postcards. Organizers note that 68% of Taiwan residents share surnames common in Fujian, creating natural bridges during the world's largest annual migration period.
🌍 'Whether you're from Beijing or Taipei, your surname carries stories from the Yellow River to the Taiwan Strait,' said event coordinator Lin Wei. The initiatives come as cross-strait cultural exchanges hit a three-year high, with youth participation up 40% since 2023.
