Amidst the summer heat, Kuliang's lush cedar trees quietly welcomed a new group of visitors—young Chinese Americans tracing their roots across the Pacific.
On July 30, 48 Chinese American students from 31 middle schools across 16 states in the U.S. ventured up the mountain for the 2025 "Root-Seeking Journey to Fujian" summer camp. Among these eager explorers was 13-year-old Liu Xiahan from Missouri, beaming with anticipation.
"I heard Kuliang is a very famous place and looked up a lot about it online," Liu said in fluent Chinese. "The scenery here is absolutely stunning—this must be why Americans loved living here over a hundred years ago!"
Eager to explore, Liu and her fellow campers followed the winding stone paths of Kuliang, uncovering traces of a unique history where Chinese and foreigners once lived together in harmony.
Their visit included the historic Kuliang Post Office, once used by American resident Milton Gardner to send letters home. Postmarked "KULIANG"—the local Fuzhou dialect pronunciation of "Guling"—these letters continue to evoke memories for generations of "descendants of Kuliang". Along the stone paths, the campers passed by weathered villas with grey walls and ivy-covered windows. At the Kuliang Club, once a lively social venue for American residents, they imagined the dances and gatherings that used to fill the space.
At the heart of Cedar King Park stands a majestic 1,300-year-old cedar tree. Beneath it is a sculpture depicting Chinese and American children climbing hand-in-hand, a touching tribute to the lasting friendship formed in this area over a century ago.
Liu Xiahan (right) viewing a display panel during an exhibition at the Kuliang Club. [Photo/Fujian Daily]
Inside the Kuliang Club, Liu watched videos and viewed exhibits detailing Gardner's story and the legacy of Kuliang. "Walking into the Kuliang Club today and seeing the efforts made by both Chinese and American people to preserve these memories—I feel deeply moved," she said.
Determined to share her experience, Liu added, "When I return to the U.S., I'll record this journey with words and photos and share them on social media. I can't wait to tell my friend Liliana—she's a big fan of Chinese culture!"
Kuliang is a highlight of the 10-day summer camp, organized by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government. A representative of the organizer noted that the story of Kuliang reflects the long-standing friendship between the Chinese and American people. The warmth, hospitality, and inclusiveness experienced by the campers in Fujian and Kuliang are the contemporary continuation of that enduring bond.
The program aims to help these young participants carry the spirit of Kuliang in their hearts, build lasting friendships with Chinese peers, and share their Fujian memories with family and friends abroad—fostering mutual understanding and cultural connection between the two countries.
Launched on July 27, the summer camp has offered a wide range of cultural experiences designed to immerse students in the richness of Chinese heritage. Through lectures, they have explored the beauty of the Chinese language, film, music, and poetry. Hands-on workshops have introduced them to traditional crafts such as dragon boat rowing, papermaking, and lacquer fan making—skills passed down through generations of Chinese artisans.
The campers have also embarked on cultural excursions to renowned landmarks, including Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys in Fuzhou, and West Street in Quanzhou, allowing them to experience the depth and diversity of Fujian's cultural landscape in an immersive and meaningful way.
