Nestled on the outskirts of Fuzhou in Fujian Province on the Chinese mainland, Kuliang (aka "Guling" in Mandarin) stands 998 meters above sea level and has been at the heart of epic cultural hangouts since the 1880s! 🌄
Back in the day, foreign expats built summer villas here, mixing their traditions with local customs—think afternoon tea meets BBQ under the pine trees. ☕️🔥 These early gatherings sparked lasting friendships between locals and visitors.
Fast-forward to 1992: Milton Gardner, who spent nine childhood years in Kuliang before moving to the U.S., finally returns with his wife, thanks to a helping hand from local authorities. That reunion is just one chapter in the ever-evolving "Kuliang stories." 🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸
Today, Kuliang still works its magic as a bridge of love and understanding. On July 10, 2025, the China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival kicked off in Fuzhou with over 1,000 participants from nearly 30 choirs, all singing under the theme "Singing for Peace." 🎶✌️
More than just concerts, these cultural exchanges give young people from both sides a platform to connect, collaborate, and build friendships that go beyond borders. Whether you’re belting out harmonies or soaking up the mountain breeze, the spirit of Kuliang reminds us that unity starts with each voice. 🙌
Reference(s):
APEC Stories: Kuliang connects young people from China and U.S.
cgtn.com
