Cross-Straits cultural exchanges boom

cctv.com 04-29-2005 10:01

Despite stiff challenges to cross-straits relations in recent years, frequent cultural exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan have struck a positive note. 2004, in particular, was a boom year for cultural exchanges across the Straits. The exchanges come in a wide variety of forms including fine arts, heritage, performing arts, folk arts, and most evidently, in entertainment.

In recent years, more and more stars from Taiwan's entertainment world have been participating in cultural activities with the mainland. Many have shuttled between the two sides of the Straits to further their careers. This year started with a nationwide promotional tour by Taiwan pop music godfather Lo Tayo for his new album, and Taiwan's Prince of Love Song Jeff Chang will hold a solo concert in Beijing in late April. Also making waves on the mainland entertainment scene is a galaxy of Taiwan stars including established singers like Tsai Chin and Chyi Yu錛宎nd young idols like Jay Chow and Jolin Tsai who are enjoying huge popularity among youngsters on both sides of the Straits.

The frequent cultural exchanges owe largely to the encouraging policy from the Mainland. Despite difficulties in cross-straits relations, the mainland has spared no effort in promoting the cultural exchanges. In 2004, the Ministry of Culture authorized over 300 cultural exchange activities, involving some 3,000 artists and art lovers from both sides of the Straits.

Shared cultural traditions have always helped bridge the gap across the straits. This can be best seen in the sensation last year caused by two Kunqu opera pieces that were jointly produced by Chinese opera lovers from both sides of the Straits. The Peony Pavilion drew many mainland youngsters to the theatre to see the ancient opera for the first time. And The Palace of Eternal Youth won the best traditional drama award at the Taiwan Golden Bell Awards.

Exchanges in more modern stage performance genres have been no less dazzling. The Chinese Mainland sent the classic drama Teahouse and the world-famous Quanzhou marionette shows to Taiwan, and the island gave orchestra concerts and modern dances in return.

Artists have always played an important role in cross-straits cultural exchanges. Established Taiwan painter Chang Fo-ying held her second solo exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing in April.

China's rich cultural heritage is a treasure shared by people on both sides of the straits. So when over a hundred pieces of antiques from the world-renowned Dunhuang Grottoes went on show at the Taipei History Museum this March, it provided Taiwan compatriots with a thrilling artistic experience.

However, the exchanges have been uneven, due to restrictions set by the Taiwan authorities. But the 2004 Taiwan Golden Horse Awards might be the start of a new beginning. At the ceremony in December last year, the Mainland film Kekexili won the Best Film Award, which may signal wider recognition of Mainland cultural achievements by Taiwan.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com