Fuzhou’s Guixi Community transformed into a vibrant hub of cross-Strait cultural exchange during a special Lunar New Year bazaar held last weekend. The capital of Fujian province hosted this three-day event featuring over 50 booths outside the prominent residence for Taiwan compatriots, creating a sensory journey through shared Chinese New Year traditions.
The atmosphere buzzed with the sizzle of authentic Taiwan sausages and the comforting aroma of Fuzhou fish balls, symbolizing the blending of culinary traditions across the Strait. Zhou Jia-sin, a Taiwanese entrepreneur, showcased handcrafted sausages using her family’s secret recipe—a business venture inspired by her father’s nostalgia for home flavors during his early mainland business days. The Zhou family now operates six successful sausage stores in Fuzhou.
This cultural integration extends beyond food. Lin Szu-shan, another Taiwanese vendor, emphasized how the round shape of fish balls represents reunion in Chinese culture, with his Fuzhou-produced delicacies reaching restaurants as far as Sichuan province and Shanghai for Spring Festival celebrations.
The event also highlighted the growing community of Taiwan compatriots choosing to build lives in Fujian. Huang Wan-ting, a medical service provider trained in Taiwan, found her calling in Fuzhou through community service, assisting residents with medical insurance and hospital visits. She is among over 500 Taiwan residents benefiting from Guixi Community’s pioneering public rental housing program specifically designed for Taiwan compatriots with favorable rental terms.
Under innovative shared governance standards, the community encourages Taiwan residents to lead management and volunteering initiatives, earning widespread appreciation from local neighbors. Chen Wenjing, director of Guixi Community’s neighborhood committee, stated their goal is to create “a landmark, integrated community that serves as a warm, supportive shared home for all residents.”