The 12th General Assembly of the World Lin Clan Association takes place in Pingtan, marking the first global gathering on the island.

The 12th General Assembly of the World Lin Clan Association and the Pingtan Lin Clan Reunion Meeting took place in Pingtan recently, marking the first time the global gathering was held on the island. Over 3,000 representatives from the Lin clan, hailing from China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other countries and regions, converged to trace their roots, uphold the virtues of loyalty and filial piety, and share their kinship.

"The significance of holding this event in Pingtan, the closest point on the Chinese mainland to Taiwan Island, cannot be overstated," said Lin Rensheng, president of the Pingtan Lin Clan Association and chairman of the Pingtan Bi Gan Cultural Research Society, who also served as the director of the organizing committee for the event. "This is a grand reunion for Lin clan descendants worldwide to strengthen bonds, exchange ideas, and seek cooperation. We hope to use the kinship tie to introduce Pingtan to the world and bring the world to Pingtan."

With the theme "Promoting the Spirit of Bi Gan and Sharing the Affection of the Lin Clan," the event aimed to uphold the excellent traditions of the Chinese nation, unite Lin clan descendants worldwide, and foster their enthusiasm for contributing to the construction of Pingtan, an international tourism island.

"We are all descendants of the Lin clan, sharing the same roots and origins," said Lin Yutang, 11th president of the World Lin Clan Association and a Malaysian Chinese businessman. "Through our surnames, we can trace our family origins and bloodlines, fostering a profound sense of belonging."

The assembly featured a solemn ancestor worship ceremony, a traditional rite that deepened participants' connections to their roots. Attendees donned ceremonial robes to honor their ancestors, reflecting a profound sense of gratitude and respect. "This ritual serves as a reminder of our origins and unites us in purpose," remarked Lin Mingxian from Taiwan.

Pingtan, as the only comprehensive pilot zone on the mainland for cross-Straits integration, has attracted a growing number of Taiwan compatriots to pursue their dreams. The Pingtan Lin Clan Association, founded in 1993, has played a pivotal role in fostering ties between the Lin clan on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Group photo of Chinese Taiwan Lin clan relatives

"Although separated by the Straits, we have never stopped searching for our roots," said Lin Xiangfeng, a 63-year-old Taiwan participant. "Both sides of the Straits are family, sharing the same roots and bloodlines. I will definitely introduce Pingtan to my friends and family in Taiwan, hoping that more Lin clan descendants will visit Pingtan to participate in ancestral worship activities and witness its rapid development."

The event also featured a series of activities, including the establishment of the Youth Council of the Pingtan Lin Clan Association, project promotion sessions, and cultural performances, showcasing the vibrant momentum of cross-Straits exchanges.

Lin clan descendants have made significant contributions to various industries, particularly in tunnel construction, where they have played a crucial role in Pingtan's development. "The spirit of 'daring to take on challenges and strive for victory' has always been in our blood," said Lin Rensheng, who witnessed the rise of Pingtan's tunnel industry.

Cultural performance

The evening cultural performance was another highlight, bringing the Lin clan representatives from around the world closer together. A situational drama, "The Timeless Patriotism," depicted the patriotism and dedication of notable Lin clan ancestors such as Lin Zexu, Lin Juemin, and Lin Huiyin, inspiring future generations to strive for self-improvement and independence.

During the event, a commemorative book titled "Ode to Lin Clan in Pingtan" was launched, chronicling the 30-year journey of the Pingtan Lin Clan Association and the 20-year history of the Pingtan Bi Gan Cultural Research Society. The book, which contains over 800,000 words and nearly a thousand photos, serves as a bridge for cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation.

Lin Rensheng concluded, "We will continue to uphold the spirit of Bi Gan, promote cultural inheritance, and foster cooperation between Pingtan and the world, creating a better future together."