Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, immersed himself in China’s rich history during a visit to the Xi’an branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture this weekend. The trip, part of a cross-strait youth delegation tour, spotlighted efforts to bridge cultural connections between the mainland and Taiwan.
📜 Ancient Books, Modern Connections: Ma marveled at the archives’ preserved ancient texts, praising their role in spreading Chinese civilization. 'These works are a testament to our shared heritage,' he said, flanked by Taiwan students eager to explore their roots.
🏯 From Temples to Tombs: The delegation’s itinerary reads like a history buff’s dream: visits to the Ma Yuan Memorial Temple, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum (home of the Terracotta Army), and the iconic Xi’an City Wall. Each stop underscored the '5,000-year story' of Chinese culture that unites people across the Taiwan Strait.
👥 Youth in Focus: Ma’s delegation, packed with Taiwan students, aims to deepen understanding of ancestral ties. Earlier in the week, they paid homage to Huangdi, the mythical Yellow Emperor revered as a common ancestor of Chinese communities worldwide.
🌐 Why It Matters: As cross-strait exchanges gain momentum, trips like this blend education and diplomacy—one ancient scroll at a time. Next stop? The Shaanxi History Museum, where Tang Dynasty treasures await.
