Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits raise their glasses to welcome the Spring Festival together.

As the Chinese New Year approached, many Taiwan compatriots chose to stay in Pingtan to embrace the festive spirit and immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions. On January 23, the eve of the Minor New Year in southern China, the Shishan Workshop Restaurant buzzed with laughter and warmth as compatriots from Taiwan and Pingtan came together for a heartwarming reunion dinner.

With the setting sun casting a gentle glow, the restaurant was aglow with soft lighting that fostered intimacy among the diners. Gathered around round tables, people from both sides of the Taiwan Straits enjoyed a feast combining Pingtan and Taiwan's culinary delights. Dishes with auspicious names such as "Time to Turn for the Best," "Splendid China," "Common Homeland," and "Eternal Friendship" were served one after another, each carrying deep sentiments and best wishes for the coming year.

"In Taiwan, it's customary to have a fish on the table during New Year's Eve dinner, symbolizing abundance in the coming year. Seeing the fish here reminds me of the shared roots of our cultures," said Taiwan compatriot Xie Jianhong with emotion.

Shi Kunhua, a master chef of Fujian cuisine and host of the dinner, expressed his hope that this dinner would be a feast for the taste buds and a gathering that fosters exchanges and integration. "We have meticulously crafted local Pingtan specialties, authentic Taiwan delicacies, and innovative dishes that blend the two cuisines," he introduced. "For instance, the Ginger Duck Braised with Abalone combines the fresh abalone from Pingtan with the classic ginger duck from Taiwan, symbolizing the exchange and integration of our culinary cultures and the close ties between compatriots on both sides of the Straits."

As delectable dishes flowed, participants shared their experiences of celebrating the New Year in Pingtan and Taiwan. Wang Kuifeng and his wife, who hail from Taiwan, sent their blessings to their families in Taiwan through a video call. Their Pingtan friends also greeted Wang's family, creating a harmonious and warm atmosphere. Wang Kuifeng, who arrived in Pingtan in 2019 and later brought his wife and children here, expressed his deep feelings of being at home.

"Celebrating the New Year in Pingtan for the first time, I deeply felt the warmth of home. Sharing the different customs of the New Year with friends in Pingtan is particularly meaningful," said Wang Kuifeng.

Li Jian, a local friend of Wang Kuifeng, attended the dinner with his wife and children. "It's exciting to have dinner with friends from Taiwan for the first time, especially during the eve of the Minor New Year. Although we often dine and have fun together, the atmosphere of this dinner is uniquely special, making everyone feel ecstatic," Li Jian remarked.

As the dinner drew to a close, the restaurant was filled with the melodious tune of Friends. Everyone put down their chopsticks and sang the song together. The smiles on the faces of compatriots from both sides of the Straits showed their happiness and closeness.

"This is my second Spring Festival in Pingtan, and I have already come to think of it as my home," shared Taiwan compatriot Wang De.

The bond of integration lies in emotion. In recent years, Pingtan has actively built platforms for exchanges between the two sides of the Straits, fostering integration through shared emotions and achieving remarkable results. Hosting a series of cultural exchange activities has not only strengthened the friendship between compatriots but also promoted deep exchanges and integration. Meanwhile, Pingtan continues to optimize the living environment for Taiwan compatriots and provide convenient government services, ensuring they enjoy the same treatment and convenience as local residents.

"Not long ago, I bought a house in Pingtan and officially became a new resident here," Wang De smiled.

This reunion dinner not only brought joy to compatriots from both sides of the Straits but also deepened their understanding and friendship. Looking ahead, it is believed that more compatriots will join hands to create a brighter future for peaceful development across the Taiwan Straits.