Our visit was full of hope for the future

During our recent trip to Taiwan, I was truly touched by the warm welcome and hospitality shown by the local people.

Before leaving, I had some concerns about whether the locals would genuinely welcome us or if they would lack enthusiasm. However, when I walked out of the airport, the people waiting there, including the Taiwan media, all cheered and welcomed us, saying, "Welcome to Taiwan."

At that moment, all my worries vanished and I felt a warm wave of emotion filling my heart and even making my eyes moist.

Throughout our nine-day trip, many local people recognized us and greeted us on the streets. When we visited a night market, many locals bought us various snacks. We also received many gifts and souvenirs at the hotels. When we returned to the Chinese mainland, our luggage was filled with these presents. Some students even bought extra suitcases to accommodate them.

Despite it being the summer vacation, the Taiwan university students were enthusiastic about participating in the exchanges with us, and many traveled back to their schools from different parts of the island to interact with us.

During our visit to Hualien, a student at the island's Dong Hwa University, who was on her summer vacation, made a special journey to bring souvenirs for us and then took a late-night train back to her home in Taipei. Such interactions between the students were truly heartwarming.

During our exchange programs with four universities, we discovered that many young people in Taiwan have a strong desire to understand and visit the mainland. So, I believe that student exchanges between both sides are not just our hope but also their hope.

I believe that the most precious thing was the spiritual resonance and the integration that occurred through this cross-Strait exchange. As long as young people are given opportunities and more chances for interaction are provided, our bond will surely only grow stronger.

Since returning to the mainland, I have kept in touch with the Taiwan students. I have made an arrangement with one student from Dong Hwa University that when we meet on the mainland, we should visit Shanghai Disneyland together.

ZHANG JINGJING SPOKE WITH ZHANG YI.