Cross-Strait exchanges

In Fuzhou, efforts have intensified to protect the shared heritage, with a shipbuilding cultural park and a museum built on the original grounds in Mawei, where visitors can also enjoy immersive live performances depicting historical events.

The descendants of shipbuilding experts who moved to Taiwan have donated more than 270 items to the museum, including wartime uniforms and graduation certificates.

Lu Li-shih, a former Taiwan naval captain and graduate of the Naval Academy in Taiwan, donated his 1991 diploma to the museum in December last year. The academy is a successor to the Foochow Arsenal in Taiwan.

"This certificate means a lot to me," Lu said while donating it. He added that he hoped it would show more people the legacy of the shipbuilding history in Taiwan.

In April, the cross-Strait joint compilation of the shipbuilding history project was launched by the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League to connect younger generations and foster a shared sense of belonging.

Last month, the Tainan Culture Association organized a 20-person tour to Fujian for a roots-tracing journey, visiting Shen's former residence and the shipbuilding museum honoring his achievements.

By traveling more and seeing things for themselves, people from Taiwan can better understand the changes on the mainland and the historical and cultural connections, said Zhou, the association head.

"Regardless of history, blood ties, or culture, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are indivisible," she said.