[cs_content _p=’7204′][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Kunshan City in Jiangsu Province illuminated the night with a spectacular Mid-Autumn Lantern Fair on September 14, celebrating the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and promoting cultural exchanges between compatriots across the Taiwan Strait. The fair, spanning two exhibition zones in Huiju Square and Zhouzhuang Town, is dedicated to strengthening connections and enhancing cultural interactions among visitors from both sides of the Strait.
A Vibrant Start to Mid-Autumn Festivities
As the lanterns lit up on Friday, Kunshan transformed into a festive hub, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience the stunning displays. Known for its rich tradition of cross-Strait exchanges, Kunshan has long been a favored destination for Taiwanese investment and business ventures. The city’s strong ties with Taiwan were further highlighted through this celebration, which aims to foster a deeper cultural connection.
Lanterns Illuminate Kunshan with Digital Innovation
The lantern fair features a blend of traditional elements and modern technology. Huiju Square showcases several thematic lantern arrays, incorporating dragon motifs and augmented reality (AR) technologies to offer a unique visual experience. The displays invite visitors to explore Kunshan’s cultural heritage while embracing innovative lighting techniques.
In Zhouzhuang Town, a metaverse digital light forest and creative lanterns depicting local customs and landmarks capture the essence of Kunshan’s cultural and tourism identity. These installations serve not only as a visual treat but also as a platform for promoting the city’s distinctive cultural heritage.
A Month of Cross-Strait Cultural Celebrations
The lantern fair is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing cultural and personal exchanges between youth from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. During the recently concluded fourth cultural month (July 23 to September 13), over 50 intangible cultural heritage events, sports activities, and artistic performances were held across Jiangsu Province. These events saw the participation of more than 3,300 Taiwan compatriots, including 2,500 Taiwan youths who engaged with local communities through mutual learning and shared experiences.
Expanding Opportunities for Taiwan Compatriots
In recent years, Kunshan has been actively deepening cross-Strait industrial cooperation. In 2023, the city introduced a comprehensive set of measures designed to support Taiwan compatriots in starting businesses and pursuing careers in the region. This year, Kunshan launched a one-stop service center to provide Taiwan compatriots with streamlined access to essential services, including school enrollment, healthcare, housing, and elder care. The initiative reflects Kunshan’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment for Taiwanese professionals and entrepreneurs.
Festive Activities and Future Plans
The thematic activities of the lantern fair will continue until late October, featuring art performances, Hanfu clothing carnivals, and other cultural events aimed at enriching the visitor experience and promoting cross-Strait cultural exchanges. These festivities are expected to attract a diverse audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for traditional Chinese culture while highlighting the unique contributions of both mainland and Taiwan communities.
Kunshan’s efforts to host such vibrant cultural events underscore its role as a key player in promoting cross-Strait unity. As the lanterns continue to light up the city, Kunshan remains a beacon of cultural collaboration, inviting visitors to celebrate the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival in a truly unique and meaningful way.\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_layout_column][/cs_element_layout_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]
