The 16th Strait Forum – Chen Jinggu Cultural Festival has officially commenced at the Linshui Palace Ancestor Temple in Gutian County, Ningde City, Fujian Province. This significant cultural event serves as a powerful symbol of the deepening cultural and economic ties between Mainland China and Taiwan. Its focus on shared heritage and traditions promotes mutual understanding, solidifying the bonds between the two regions.
The festival’s diverse program features a blend of religious, artistic, and economic events. Chen Jinggu, also known as the Lady of Linshui, is a central figure in the cultural heritage of the region. With a following of over 120 million believers worldwide, particularly in Fujian and Taiwan, her legacy has become a cultural phenomenon. Gutian County, recognized as the birthplace of the Chen Jinggu tradition, has nurtured this cultural heritage for centuries, making it a cornerstone of both local and cross-Strait identity.
Zhang Chenghui, a local government official from Gutian County, emphasized the vital role of the Chen Jinggu Cultural Festival in preserving cultural traditions and strengthening the relationship between Mainland China and Taiwan. In recent years, Gutian County has actively promoted the spirit of Chen Jinggu through literary, artistic, and cultural endeavors. The establishment of the Chen Jinggu Folk Culture Center further solidifies the tradition as a bridge between the two regions.
The festival extends beyond cultural celebrations to serve as a platform for economic cooperation. Signing ceremonies and project collaborations strengthen the cross-Strait relationship, fostering both mutual economic growth and cultural understanding. This exemplifies the event’s holistic approach to building lasting connections.
The Chen Jinggu Cultural Festival is more than just a celebration of heritage; it is a vital link in promoting ongoing cultural and economic exchange between the Mainland and Taiwan. With its religious ceremonies, artistic exhibitions, and collaborative projects, the event underscores the importance of shared traditions in building mutual respect and understanding across borders. The festival serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural ties that unite Fujian and Taiwan. It opens doors for future cooperation in areas ranging from tourism and hospitality to the arts and business, solidifying the economic partnership between the two regions.
The Strait Forum, of which the Chen Jinggu Festival is a part, continues to play a pivotal role in encouraging dialogue and collaboration between the Mainland and Taiwan. The cross-Strait project signing ceremony, one of the festival’s key events, ensures that cultural exchanges are complemented by tangible economic benefits. Tourism, in particular, stands to gain from these efforts. As more visitors from Taiwan and beyond are drawn to the region to experience the Chen Jinggu culture firsthand, local hospitality, hotel, and tourism industries will flourish. Additionally, economic collaborations formalized at the festival are set to boost industries such as travel, trade, and technology, paving the way for stronger, more integrated economic ties between the Mainland and Taiwan.
The Chen Jinggu Festival is not only a celebration of the deity herself but also a symbol of the broader cross-Strait relationship. The exhibitions of calligraphy and painting featuring both local and Taiwanese artists highlight the shared cultural heritage, while the sacrificial ceremonies reflect a common religious tradition that dates back centuries. Through these exchanges, the festival promotes a sense of unity and shared identity that transcends political boundaries. As more cultural and economic projects are signed and implemented, the festival strengthens the bonds between the two regions, ensuring that their shared traditions continue to thrive.
