Attendees at the 17th Straits Forum held in east China's Xiamen City commented that forum works as a vital platform for unstoppable grassroots exchanges across the Taiwan Strait, despite complex international and cross-Strait environment.
The 17th Straits Forum kicked off Sunday in Xiamen of Fujian Province, with over 7,000 participants from various sectors on the island of Taiwan and Chinese mainland.
This year's event faced new barriers from Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (CPP) authorities, as for the first time, the DPP requested that mayors and other local officials not attend the annual event on the Chinese mainland.
Many attendees viewed these actions as a reflection of the DPP's apprehension toward deepening grassroots exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
"In fact, every participant here is like a drop of water, but when they are together, what they actually see and feel about the mainland would become a blow to the DPP as this is different from what the DPP says about the mainland," said Yu Chih-pin, deputy secretary-general of the New Party in Taiwan.
"They are still living in the past or their fantasies," said Tan Chuan-shao, deputy director of the Youth Department under the New Party.
They believe that as long as they prevent communication, people on both sides will lose bonds and common identity. But in fact, this is not the case, Tan continued.
The DPP authorities led by Lai Ching-te recently unveiled its "17 strategies" to counter the mainland, labeling the mainland as "foreign hostile forces" with a number of policies restricting mutual visits by Taiwan and mainland residents, as well as restrictions on cultural, academic and religious exchanges.
"They want to use these to suppress people in Taiwan not to have any contact with the mainland. But it's impossible for us to live in an information cocoon," said Lee Tung-hsien, executive chairman of the China Reunification Alumni Association.
Despite the difficulties and barriers set by the DPP authorities in Taiwan, so many participants from Taiwan attended this year's forum.
A highlight of this year is that Ma Ying-jeou, former chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party attended the Straits Forum for the first time. He is also leading a youth delegation to visit the mainland.
Young people from Taiwan also share their thoughts.
"I have confidence in the mainland, so I chose to stay here. Now, I am preparing to start my own business," said Kuo Ya-yun, a start-up founder from the island.
Attendees value Straits Forum in cross-Strait exchange despite barriers
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
