Ever heard of a place that stays in your heart for a lifetime, even if you can't find it on a map? 🗺️ Let's talk about Kuliang (or Guling), a stunning hillside on the outskirts of Fuzhou in the Chinese mainland's Fujian Province.
Sitting at 998 meters high, Kuliang wasn't just a scenic spot. Since the 1880s, it became a cozy retreat where expatriates built villas, tennis courts, and swimming pools, creating a unique space where different cultures blended and deep friendships with local residents flourished. ✨
Among those who called this place home was Milton Gardner, an American physics professor. Milton arrived in Fuzhou in 1901 and spent ten formative years there. Though his family returned to the U.S. in 1911, the magic of Kuliang never left him. It became a lifelong longing—a piece of his childhood he desperately wanted to revisit.
Sadly, Milton never made it back to the hillside. In a poignant moment on his deathbed, he whispered one final word: "Kuliang."
For years, his wife, Elizabeth Gardner, was left puzzling over that mysterious word. What was Kuliang? The mystery remained unsolved until 1990, when Elizabeth stumbled upon 11 vintage stamps left behind by her husband. Each one bore a clear postmark: "Foochow · Kuliang."
With the help of a Chinese student in the U.S., the puzzle was finally solved. Those whispered words were a tribute to a place of peace and friendship in Fuzhou. 🌸
This century-old story is more than just a mystery; it's a beautiful reminder that the bonds of friendship can transcend borders and time, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. 🌏🤝
Reference(s):
Century-old Kuliang story reflects enduring China-US friendship
cgtn.com
