APEC Stories: Cross-strait bonds through travel and cultural exchange

Editor's note: The 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Gyeongju, South Korea, on October 31 and November 1. CGTN's "APEC Stories" series will showcase cooperation and culture of 21 APEC economies through visual storytelling.

The Chinese mainland is one of the most popular destinations for Taiwan residents. In the first half of this year alone, more than 1.5 million Taiwan residents traveled to the mainland, reflecting the strong holiday demand for cross-strait tourism.

From exploring traditional culture in Beijing's museums to admiring the majestic peaks and rivers of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, savoring street food at the vibrant night markets of Chengdu in Sichuan Province, and experiencing the futuristic skyline of Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, Taiwan visitors are embracing every opportunity to discover the mainland's diverse charms.

Young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are also strengthening bonds through dialogue and exchange. In June, more than 1,000 guests and youth representatives from both sides gathered in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, for the eighth cross-strait youth development forum, promoting deeper understanding and integration across the Strait.