Strategic shift

As the national strategy shifts from poverty relief to rural revitalization, talented people from Taiwan are crossing the Straits to use their expertise at the grassroots level. That's especially true in Fujian, the province that lies directly opposite Taiwan and aims to promote integrated cross-Straits development.

Since 2018, Hsu Chun-hsiung, an architect and designer, has spent six months of every year in Fujian with his team, participating in eight rural improvement projects in villages.

The team has brought brand awareness to villagers to enhance the added value of agricultural produce.

In Changqing, a township in a mountainous part of the province, the farming technique center－formerly a shabby building that sold pesticides, fertilizers and seeds－became a popular venue last year after the team helped transform it.

In addition to the center's original function, residents can sample food and drinks made from Changqing produce, such as dishes cooked with local camellia oil and milk tea made with peanuts grown in the township.

The center also sells specialty goods in eco-friendly packaging designed by the team.

Videos

Since 2018, Tseng Chih-ying, from Taipei, has been filming documentaries in Fujian's villages with her video team to record local history, including stories about older craftsmen and ancient buildings.

The team has put QR codes on many buildings so people can scan them and watch the videos.

"We are often moved while filming these stories, and I have developed a deep bond with the villagers. When I was back in Taiwan, a 90-year-old man even sent me a message asking when I would return to the mainland. The province is like my second home," Tseng said.