Cross-Strait winter camp promotes friendship and cultural understanding

Around 1,000 young people from Taiwan are currently taking part in a winter camp that includes ice and snow activities as well as tours of various mainland provinces to learn about history and culture. The aim is to strengthen exchanges and mutual understanding between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The majority of participants are university students from different colleges in Taiwan, with more than 50 percent visiting the mainland for the first time.

The opening ceremony, organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, took place in Beijing on Tuesday and was attended by representatives from both sides.

Zheng Jianmin, president of the federation, expressed hopes that young people from both sides would form lasting friendships through interactions at the winter camp. He noted that many Taiwan compatriots have found opportunities to realize their dreams on the mainland and have seen firsthand the country's rapid development and transformation.

The winter camp covers 17 provincial regions and offers a variety of activities, including ice and snow sports, experiences of New Year's customs, and tours focused on history and culture.

Since its founding in 1989, the camp has attracted more than 8,000 youths from Taiwan.