Wu Zongwei (first from left), Guo Yixin (second from left), Chen Qihui (second from right) and Zhou Zhengui pose for creative photos at the International Research Center for Austronesian Archaeology in Pingtan.

This summer, four college students from Taiwan who come from different schools met in Pingtan, Chinese mainland’s closest neighbor of Taiwan, via “Dalutong” that’s a Pingtan-based app dedicated to facilitating Taiwan compatriots on the mainland. They formed a new media squad to capture their moments on the island on cam. More than that, they also filmed a show with reporters from the local Pingtan Convergence Media and spent an impressive summer vacation. Take a look at what Pingtan looks like from their perspectives.

Chen Qihui: Memorable memories 

I have always been told that Pingtan is geographically close to Taiwan. Although I attend college in nearby Quanzhou, I had no chance to come over. This time I took advantage of the summer vacation to meet the charming Pingtan. Though we met with a typhoon during the trip, the skies were blue soon again. And the island seemed to be more pristine than ever.

By chance, I participated in the filming of “Pingtan from the Perspectives of Taiwan Youth". To be honest, I was shy of standing in front of the cameras at the beginning. But now, I am able to act like a pro thanks to the encouragement I got in the process. I felt more at ease and enjoyed the process.

We visited plenty of attractions, indulged in the lovely summer seascape, and familiarized ourselves with local history and culture, i.e. the origin and expansion of the Austronesian, the history of defending Taiwan and protecting border. From all aspects, I feel that Taiwan and Pingtan are inextricably linked. I grew a deep affinity with Pingtan.

Guo Yixin: New life experiences

I am studying in central Henan province. I couldn’t go back to Taiwan because of the pandemic. But I gained a lot of life experiences in Pingtan. The first time when I visited Pingtan, filmed, painted on stones, and learned about cross-Straits culture, they all excited me. What impressed me the most was that, after the filming, we visited Li Xin, deputy general manager of Pigntan Kangde Group, a Taiwan-funded conglomerate. His family has been in Pingtan for years, and three generations have taken root in Pingtan and contributed to the city. I am assured that the compatriots from across the Taiwan Straits are family. 

Wu Zongwei: Thumbs-up at Covid prevention work

I come from Taoyuan, Taiwan and I am currently studying at Nanchang University. This summer vacation stunned me. I major in advertising and really enjoy video production. It’s lucky to work with reporters from Pingtan Convergence Media Center. During the trip, we went to many public places, and I saw the efficient Covid measures in place.

On an occasion when we went to the 68-Nautical-Mile scenic spot, we not only had to have the temperature taken and flash the digital health code. The scenic spot also prepared a mask machine to provide tourists with disposable masks for free. Out of curiosity, we scanned the kiosk with our mobile phones. As expected, we got one in less than a minute, which greatly facilitated tourists who forgot wearing a mask at the scenic spot.

In addition, thanks to the co-operation of Pingtan Convergence Media Center, not only did I know more about Pingtan, I also recorded Pingtan all the way with my mobile. In the follow-up process. I will be editing these videos and posting them on social platforms to let more people see the beauty of Pingtan.

Zhou Zhengui: I came, then I decided to stay

I am from Taichung, Taiwan. I am a college student majoring in new media, and I have a keen interest in photography. Apart from filming and appreciating the beauty of Pingtan, I had developed an acquaintance with many Taiwan compatriots living in Pingtan. 

 Each of them has a reason to stay in Pingtan. Some like the working environment here, some take a fancy on the warmth and romance here, and some favor the convenient transportation here. I heard that it only takes two and a half hours to take the high-speed ferry from Pingtan to Taipei. Amazing!

After the visit, I got reluctant to leave. I decided to take Pingtan as the starting point of my life and career, just like those youths from Taiwan. The opportunities and preferential policies for Taiwan compatriots here are attractive. I don’t know what my future holds, but I believe that it’s the right decision to stay.

Youth: Propelling force for cross-Straits exchanges

Cross-Straits exchanges come down to heart-to-heart, people-to-people communication. Against the backdrop of socioeconomic integration across the Taiwan Straits in the new era, activities concerning cross-Straits exchange will surely become more frequent and enthusiastic.

 More and more young generations of Taiwan cross the sea to come to Pingtan, the closest place on the Chinese mainland to the island of Taiwan for their dreams, becoming an important driving force for the development of cross-Straits relations.

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