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Renowned writers from across the Straits embark on a literary journey to Pingtan Island

en.ptnet.cn | Updated:2025-06-05 | Lin Kongbo, Stephanie

Bathed in sea breeze and the rhythmic whispers of waves, the "Spring Tide and Morning Breeze" 2025 Pingtan International Tourism Island Writers' Retreat unfolded from May 25 to 27 on the enchanting coast of Pingtan Island, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan. The event welcomed celebrated writers from across Fujian and Taiwan for a cross-Straits cultural exchange rich in warmth and poetic sentiment.

Among the honored guests was renowned Taiwanese author Chang Show-foong, who joined Chinese mainland writers in a series of literary dialogues, site visits, and public lectures. Together, they explored the island's unique heritage and deep-rooted ties between the cultures on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

"I'll Carry Pingtan in My Heart"

The retreat opened with a visit to the Keqiutou branch of the China Archaeological Museum, where Neolithic pottery fragments, shell-decorated ornaments, and intricately carved relics offered a glimpse into a shared prehistoric past. Chang paused before a display of cord-marked ceramics and remarked with quiet awe, "The patterns on these shards are stunning. When I learned they resemble those of Taiwan's earliest Neolithic culture—the Dabenkeng—I felt a resonance echoing across millennia. These artifacts still shimmer with the wisdom of our ancestors."

Walking along the island's Northern Ecological Corridor, writers admired the expansive sea views before arriving at Heping Café, a cozy sea-facing venue in the Suping area. There, over coffee, Chang reflected on her long-standing desire to visit Pingtan. "I've heard so much about Pingtan. Being here, I find everything just as I imagined—charming, familiar, and deeply moving."

Seated by the window with the sea glittering under the midday sun, Chang smiled gently. "Pingtan feels like a living poem," she said. "I may not paint or take photos, but I'll remember every sound and sight from this journey. I hope more people come to see its beauty."

From Poetry to Philosophy

On May 25, Chang Show-foong delivered a public lecture at the local library titled "Endless Refills and a Finite Cup." With her signature philosophical insight, she spoke to the younger generation about the importance of savoring the present. "We often chase endless refills of life's pleasures," she said, "but forget to taste the richness of the cup we hold now."

Encouraging listeners to embrace literature as a window into life's meaning, Chang offered practical advice as well. "Always take notes when reading. They form the roots of your thinking," she suggested, adding, "Writing transforms what we feel into something different, something lasting. Trust in the power of words."

She emphasized the unique beauty of Chinese characters: "The magic of Chinese lies not only in its depth of meaning but in the infinite ways it can be arranged. As writers nourished by this language, we have both the duty and the joy of sharing its grace."

Literature Across Generations

During the reading session that followed, a young girl from Sanming city, read Chang's beloved essay The Far End of the Carpet. As her words filled the room, an image of a bride walking hand in hand with her groom appeared onscreen. Chang, moved to tears, whispered, "I was with my husband for 59 and a half years. I said my final goodbye to him last year."

Writers and scholars present were deeply touched. "She remembers their days together so vividly," said veteran Fujian writer Yang Jilan. "It's that delicate sensitivity that makes her writing so powerful."

Li Han, vice chair of the Fujian Writers Association, added, "Seeing Chang Show-foong today—graceful, wise, moved by the voice of a young reader—it reminded me of why literature matters. Her words connect generations. Her arrival in Pingtan is a true literary event."

Professor Shi Xiaoyu of Fuzhou University echoed the sentiment: "Her works are included in textbooks across both Taiwan and the mainland. Few writers blend classical beauty with modern insight as she does. At 84, she still speaks with such vitality—it's inspiring."

A Handwritten Farewell

As the retreat drew to a close, Chang Show-foong left a message for Pingtan in her own calligraphy:

"May Pingtan always be blessed with good wind, good water, and good scenery."

With a final flourish, she added a few more words:

"And good people."

Editor in Charge:Lin Kongbo
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