With the further deepening of cross-Strait exchanges, negative perceptions of the mainland, spread by certain separatist forces in Taiwan, are gradually being recognized by Taiwan people, he said.

Hsiao, who has brought Taiwan students to visit the mainland frequently, said he was delighted that the students, while riding the high-speed trains on the mainland, actively seek out the truth and understand the technological advancements behind the high-speed rail on their own.

"I hope they will witness firsthand the mainland and, at the same time, come back and tell their friends based on their own judgment, to invite more to come and see for themselves," he said.

A participant surnamed Tseng, an art graduate student from Taiwan, said she and other art students from Taiwan will visit Beijing's hutong with their mainland counterparts. Following their visit, they plan to engage in artistic creation and hold an exhibition themed around hutong.

"The hutong architecture exudes a charming ancient style. I look forward to exploring those streets on shared bicycles," she said.