In 2024, the Fujian-Taiwan Xuantian Shangdi cultural exchange event was grandly held in Xiamen. Thousands of compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered together, tracing to the source through beliefs and jointly carrying forward traditional Chinese culture.
At the scene, firecrackers were crackling and drums were beating loudly. The folk array heads formed by believers from both sides walked through the streets and alleys, circling the territory to pray for blessings.
Both sides of the Taiwan Strait have the same origin, and the folk customs are inherited in one continuous line. About 240 Kinmen villagers came to participate in this event, among which the Beizhen Temple in Kinmen came to the Beizhen Palace in Tong'an for the first time after the epidemic for exchanges.
Xu Jicai, a committee member of the Beizhen Temple in Kinmen: We are looking forward to it. It's been three years, and it hasn't been so lively for a long time. We got connected more than 10 years ago, and they also came to Kinmen to participate in many of our activities. The friendship between our two temples is really strong. We are like brother temples. We are excited and can see some good friends we have known for many years again.
This activity will continue until the 22nd. Next, people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will also go to the Yuandi Palace and Guandi Temple in Zhangzhou to pray.
Li Minghui, the person in charge of the co-organizer of the Fujian-Taiwan Xuantian Shangdi cultural exchange event: In such folk custom exchange activities, people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have a common belief and faith. It is hoped that through such folk religious exchange activities, the two sides are originally one family.