Cross-Strait young people participate in the basketball invitational tournament in Gaoping. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Shanxi province in North China recently hosted a three-day cross-Strait youth basketball invitational tournament that concluded on May 3. 

This event was an essential part of the 8th Cross-Strait Yan Emperor Economic and Trade Cultural Tourism Investment Promotion Series, which seeks to enhance cultural identity among compatriots and bridge exchanges between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Cross-Strait young people pose for a group photo in front of the Yan Emperor Mausoleum in Gaoping. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Eight middle schools from various regions, including Taiwan, Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, participated in the event. It was an excellent opportunity for the students to showcase their basketball skills. The competition saw fierce and intense battles as young players from both sides of the Strait battled it out for the championship title.

The tournament was more than just a sports event, as the participants also had the opportunity to explore the local area and learn about its rich cultural heritage. The young people from Taiwan, for example, visited the Yan Emperor Mausoleum in Gaoping, where they learned about the culture and stories behind the legendary pioneer of ancient Chinese agriculture.

The tournament was a great success in bringing together young people from different regions and backgrounds to forge closer relationships and strengthen cross-Strait ties. It is hoped that events such as this will continue to provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas, cultures, and values between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, leading to increased mutual understanding and cooperation.