The students visit the Transparent Island Cross-Strait Cultural Innovation Center. [Photo/Wechat account: fj-fao]
At the invitation of the Consulate-General of China in Osaka, a 22-member student friendship delegation from Okayama University and Fukuyama University in western Japan visited Fuzhou and Xiamen, Fujian province, from April 16 to 20.
Students and faculty members from Xiamen University of Technology joined the exchange, accompanying their Japanese counterparts on a series of cultural and educational tours in Xiamen. The delegation embarked on a meaningful cultural journey that began at the renowned Jimei School Village, where they visited the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Museum and learned about Mr. Tan's inspiring legacy of dedicating his fortune to education and national development.
The students also explored Fujian's intangible cultural heritage at Huihe Stone Cultural Park, engaging in hands-on experience of the traditional stone-shadow carving. Their journey continued at the Transparent Island Cross-Strait Cultural Innovation Center, where they deepened their understanding of the shared cultural roots between Fujian and Taiwan while witnessing innovative practices in cross-Strait integration.
The group strolled along Zhongshan Road, appreciating the cultural value of this iconic area while discovering Xiamen's time-honored brands. The cultural tour culminated at Gulangyu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they studied Xiamen's exemplary approaches to heritage preservation and sustainable tourism development, gaining a comprehensive insight into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
The friendly visit highlighted Fujian's welcoming spirit and rich cultural landscape, turning its landmarks into immersive classrooms for international exchange.
China updated its tax refund policy for foreign tourists, shifting from a refund-upon-departure model to a refund-upon-purchase model, the State Taxation Administration (STA) said on April 8.
