Delegates from the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region gathered in Shanghai from Friday to Sunday to discuss the future of the cross-Strait relations at the 2025 Cross-Strait Relations Seminar.
More than 160 experts, scholars, and representatives of various sectors attended the seminar, focusing on the advancement of Chinese modernization and the shared well-being of the people on both sides of the Strait.
Addressing the seminar, Qiu Kaiming, deputy director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, affirmed that China can fully address various risks and challenges. He emphasized that China can ensure the shared well-being of people on both sides of the Strait and to thwart "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference.
Qiu called on all Taiwan compatriots to recognize where Taiwan's future and interests lie and to advance national reunification and rejuvenation alongside their mainland compatriots.
Experts at the seminar highlighted that the mainland's economy is built on a solid foundation, marked by resilience and vast potential. They expressed confidence in the mainland's ability to handle challenges and continue advancing toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
"Our nation possesses a solid material foundation and robust development potential in its modernization. When it comes to advancing cross-Strait exchanges, integrated development, and achieving peaceful reunification, I believe our economic potential remains a key driver, and we must further leverage it to promote cross-Strait relations," said Zheng Jian, chair professor at the Graduate Institute for Taiwan Studies of Xiamen University.
Scholars from the Taiwan region emphasized the importance of cross-Strait exchange.
"[We should] enable elites in various disciplines to discuss the future of technology, let the social science elites work out a path forward for the Chinese people's development," said Yang Kai-huang, director of the Cross-Strait Research Center of Ming Chuan University.
"When I was teaching at Shih Hsin University, each semester, at least 95 percent of the students in my class never visited the Chinese mainland. Influenced by media and online misinformation, they developed misunderstandings about the mainland. I believe the most crucial solution is to enhance cross-Strait exchanges, particularly through media platforms," said Chi Chia-lin, honorary chairman of Taiwan's Reunification Alliance Party.
Experts discuss future of cross-Strait relations at Shanghai seminar
Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province saw a soaring number of visitors from abroad on Thursday, the first day of 2026 and also the opening day of China's three-day New Year holiday, as festive celebrations unfolded across the city.
Major border checkpoints in the city recorded peak inbound passenger flows, with large numbers of travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas entering the city to experience its vibrant holiday vibes.
"I'm so happy 'cause this is the first day of 2026, and I'm bringing my friends to visit Shenzhen," said a visitor from Hong Kong.
International tourists also shared their excitement.
"It's a very modern city and it's interesting to see such a New Year Eve in such a city," said an overseas visitor.
The inbound passenger flow at Luohu Port peaked from 8:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, said an officer there, adding the average daily passenger flow during the New Year break is expected to reach about 240,000.
At the West Kowloon Station port, eye-catching red decorations themed around the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse added to the festive mood.
As a key transportation hub of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the port also saw heavy two-way passenger traffic. Daily cross-border passenger flow there is expected to average around 100,000 during the holiday.
An Australian tourist said he was looking forward to his trip to south China.
"I am from Melbourne, Australia and I'm coming to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China. I'm excited to see all the tall buildings, especially all the ones that light up and experience a new culture in China." said a tourist.
Outside the ports, celebrations were in full swing as the city prepared for rising visitor numbers.
A large-scale parade featuring more than 30 themed formations kicked off in the morning along the 1.6-kilometer Festival Avenue in Shenzhen's Futian District.
The event drew huge crowds with inflatable cartoon characters, lively drum performances, and traditional Yingge Dance -- a form of folk dance popular in south China's Guangdong Province that merges opera, dance, and martial arts.
Nearby commercial zones also rolled out special consumption coupons, allowing visitors to enjoy a one-stop experience combining festive celebrations and shopping.
"The atmosphere is really nice. We feel very welcomed here. It's a very, very international vibe", said an international visitor.
China continues to grow in popularity as a destination for overseas travelers. Data from online tourism platforms show that inbound flight bookings to China rose 20 percent year on year on the first day of the holiday, with Shenzhen ranking fifth among the country's most popular inbound travel destinations.
"On the first day of holiday, international flight ticket purchases to Shenzhen has increased by 52.5 percent while the international flight bookings to the city has grown by 33 percent," said Shi Ke, a researcher from big data research institute of Qunar, an online travel service provider.
Shenzhen embraces influx of visitors on first day of 2026
