On October 27th, the second “Zhejiang-Taiwan Literary Week” and the Zhejiang-Taiwan Children’s Literature Exchange event launched in Quzhou, Zhejiang. Over 80 writers from both sides of the Taiwan Strait will participate in nearly a week of fieldwork and discussions aimed at innovating literary exchanges and telling the stories of the Chinese nation.
“Stories told by writers from both sides belong to the Chinese nation, and it’s essential that we study the classics thoroughly, even reciting them repeatedly,” said Cao Wenxuan, a prominent children’s author and the director of the Children’s Literature Committee of the China Writers Association, during the event.
Cao emphasized the importance of building a close relationship with classic literary works and highlighted that by drawing inspiration from these timeless stories, writers can transform their narratives into a universal spiritual wealth, ultimately telling the stories of the Chinese nation more effectively.
During the opening ceremony, several key figures spoke, including renowned Taiwanese author and poet Zhan Che, and Zheng Hu, president of the Children’s Film Working Committee of the China Film Association. Bai Gengsheng, vice president of the China Writers Association, also shared insights.
Taiwanese children’s author Nian Wangfan took the stage to participate in a signing ceremony for resident writers. In an interview, she expressed her eagerness to collaborate with mainland counterparts to create picture books and other works, aiming to nourish the minds of future generations on both sides.
“Children’s literature is meant for kids, but it also reflects our observations of this era and our environment. Throughout the creative process, we must tap into our own feelings, internalize them, and transform them into language that children can understand,” Nian noted.
Tang Tang, vice president of the Zhejiang Writers Association and a well-known children’s author, echoed her sentiments. Her two illustrated story collections, “The Emperor is a Fish” and “A Little Chicken Goes to Heaven,” published in Taiwan in 2014, continue to see reprints today.
Tang believes that literary works profoundly affect children’s growth. She expressed optimism that the combined efforts of writers from both sides would spark inspiration and contribute positively to breaking down barriers and building trust for the next generation.
Over 30 writers from Taiwan are participating in this event, many visiting Zhejiang for the first time. Children’s literature will be a focal point of discussion. Jiang Haoshu, deputy director of the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Affairs Office of the China Writers Association, hopes that writers can guide children in experiencing Chinese culture and appreciate the deep ties between both sides, as well as the limitless potential of the country’s development.
Quzhou, located in western Zhejiang province at the source of the Qiantang River and at the junction of four provinces, is steeped in historical and cultural wealth. Since ancient times, the city has boasted a rich tradition of poetry and literature, with over 1,000 poets like Bai Juyi, Yang Wanli, and Lu You leaving behind more than 4,000 ancient poems, some of which are included in school textbooks.
Last November, Quzhou hosted its inaugural “Qu-Tai Literary Week,” attracting over 30 writers from both sides to engage in local field research. The participating Taiwanese authors subsequently produced a series of high-quality works published on the island, helping more people in Taiwan understand Zhejiang and Quzhou.
Zhang Qizhong, deputy director of the Zhejiang Taiwan Affairs Office, expressed hope that this event would serve as a catalyst for enhanced exchange and mutual learning, enabling the creation of high-quality literary works that would allow more Taiwanese compatriots to learn about Zhejiang and the mainland. Through literature, he envisions a bond that brings together youth from both sides, collectively passing down the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation.
“We hope that writers from both sides can showcase their spiritual connection through literary works, expressing profound national sentiment and kinship, while recognizing our shared heritage,” said Zhang Zhaoxiong, a member of the Quzhou Municipal Committee.
