As autumn arrives in Guliang as expected, so do its distant friends. In the fragrant season of blooming osmanthus flowers, Guliang welcomed members of the "Friends of Guliang", including Mr. Gordon Mills Trimble, an Honorary Citizen of Fuzhou and foreign professor at Hwa Nan Women’s College, along with his wife Sonia Trimble and a delegation of students and teachers from Sacred Hearts Academy in Hawaii, who are currently engaged in academic research at Hwa Nan Women’s College.

Led by the Guliang Resort Management Committee, the Sino-American delegation explored key cultural exchange sites such as King Cryptomeria Park, Guliang Old Street, the Universal Benevolence Society, and the former residence of Lydia Trimble. These sites stand as testaments to the deep-rooted friendship between China and the United States, where every tree, every building, and every street corner reflects shared history and mutual understanding.

The "Guliang Connection" and a Century of Friendship

In June this year, the "Guliang Connection" Sino-American Friendship Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Fujian Provincial Government, was held in Fuzhou. This forum gathered prominent individuals dedicated to fostering Sino-American ties, including several members of the "Friends of Guliang."

Among them, Gordon Mills Trimble, a descendant of Lydia Trimble, has played a significant role in promoting education and cultural exchange between China and the U.S. His great grandaunt, Lydia Trimble, dedicated over 50 years to education in Fujian, founding Hwa Nan Women’s College (now Hwa Nan Women’s College of Fujian), which empowered generations of women through higher education.

Driven by a desire to honor his ancestor’s legacy, Gordon Trimble moved to Fuzhou after retiring in 2005 and became a foreign faculty member at Hwa Nan Women’s College. During the "Guliang Connection" Forum, he and other "Friends of Guliang" reunited to celebrate their shared history and strengthen grassroots friendship between China and the U.S.

Guliang: A Symbol of Sino-American People-to-People Ties

The story of Guliang, spanning over a century, is personally endorsed by President Xi Jinping as a model of Sino-American people-to-people friendship. Guliang stands as a symbol of goodwill between the two nations, highlighting the power of cultural exchange beyond political and ideological differences.

This visit by Gordon Trimble, his wife Sonia, and the students from Sacred Hearts Academy was not just a nostalgic journey; it was a continuation of the Guliang legacy. By sharing Guliang’s history and culture, they helped deepen mutual understanding between Chinese and American people and pass on the Guliang connection to future generations.

"Continuing the Guliang Legacy" Symposium

At the "Continuing the Guliang Legacy" Symposium, Deputy Director of the Fujian Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, Chen Guoquan, emphasized that the century-old story of Guliang is a testimony to how people from China and the U.S. can transcend political systems, ideologies, historical backgrounds, cultures, and languages to build profound friendships.

He reaffirmed President Xi Jinping's vision that the future of China-U.S. relations lies with the people, and its foundation is rooted in civil exchange, particularly among the youth. To support this, Fujian and Fuzhou's foreign affairs offices will provide full backing for student exchange programs, further enhancing mutual understanding and friendship.

During the discussion, the students and teachers from Sacred Hearts Academy shared their experiences in China, expressing admiration for China’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. They praised Fuzhou’s beauty, the friendships they had formed, and their hope to return for further exchanges.

Gordon Trimble: A Personal Connection to Guliang

Gordon Trimble took the opportunity to reflect on his family’s deep ties to Guliang. He explained that his father and grandfather did not visit Guliang simply to escape the summer heat—after all, the village they lived in near Nanping had a similarly comfortable climate. Instead, they endured a week-long journey, navigating the turbulent Min River, to return to Guliang for its vibrant community and intellectual exchange.

During their time in Guliang, doctors, teachers, and other professionals frequently gathered to discuss scientific advancements, exchange ideas, and apply their learnings to medicine and education. Guliang, therefore, was not just a social and cultural hub; it was also a center for scientific progress, playing an important role in the development of Fuzhou and even China.

Strengthening the Bridge Between Generations

As the Chinese saying goes, "The friendship between nations is built on the affinity between people, and people-to-people ties stem from heartfelt connections."

This visit reinforced the cultural bridge between younger generations, ensuring that the spirit of Guliang lives on. By promoting Guliang as a hub for Sino-American cultural exchange, the event encourages descendants of past Guliang residents and young scholars to reconnect with their overseas ‘hometown’ and continue writing new chapters in Guliang’s story.

Through efforts like these, the Guliang legacy will remain a shining example of Sino-American friendship in the modern era.