In a heartwarming display of unity, compatriots from both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are set to come together to honor their legendary ancestor, Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, during the upcoming Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, announced on Wednesday that commemorative ceremonies and cultural activities will be held in Shaanxi and Henan provinces.
Huangdi is revered as the cultural ancestor of the Chinese nation, and his mausoleum stands as a powerful symbol of Chinese civilization. The joint ceremonies across the Taiwan Strait have a long-standing tradition, playing a vital role in preserving Chinese cultural heritage and strengthening the sense of national identity, belonging, and pride among Taiwan compatriots.
“The shared reverence for our common ancestor brings us closer together,” said Chen. “These ceremonies not only honor our history but also reinforce the bonds between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.”
In addition to the cultural festivities, progress is being made on significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The Xiamen section of the Xiamen-Kinmen Bridge has entered a new phase of construction. According to Chen, building the bridge is a shared aspiration and urgent desire among residents on both sides.
The Chinese mainland has prioritized the well-being of people in Kinmen, implementing measures to benefit them in recent years, such as the cross-strait water supply project. Since 2018, Fujian Province has provided over 40 million tonnes of water to Kinmen, effectively resolving the island’s longstanding water shortage issues.
These initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and improve the quality of life for residents across the Taiwan Strait.
