TAIPEI, TAIWAN - MediaOutReach - 15 December 2020 - OnDecember 11, 2020, an online exhibition of Shanxi's Intangible CulturalHeritages themed Great Enjoyment of Shanxi's Splendid Culture in Taiwan Island,was held in Taipei. There were some interesting activities in the exhibition,such as tasting Shanxi noodles, drinking over-mature vinegar drinks, and watchingopera performances, making local audiences fully experience Shanxi's rich culturefrom the perspectives of vision, taste, and hearing, increasing theirunderstanding and recognition of Chinese culture.

The event was jointlyorganized by the Chinese Culture Association, the Cross-strait Tourism ExchangeAssociation, the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and theTaiwan China-Hanwei Cultural Promotion Association. In addition to thedocumentary of Shanxi's Intangible Cultural Heritages and the wonderful lecturevideo of Professor Tian Qing, an expert on the Intangible Cultural Heritages inthe mainland, it also showed the unique handicrafts and snacks of Shanxi Province,such as lacquerware and cloth art. The opera performance themed with the folkpuppet "Li Hou Tiger" was specially arranged.

Chen Chunlin, directorof the Taiwan China-Hanwei Cultural Promotion Association, said in aninterview: "Despite the severe challenge of the COVID-19 epidemic,cultural exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits cannot be decreasedor stopped. Since offline communication is difficult for the time being, wehave been exploring how to make online activities more exciting." Thisexhibition is carried by a closer combination ofonline and offline activities. It is hoped that local audiences can have abetter understanding of Shanxi's culture through different activities.

Ren Jiayan, director ofthe Taipei office of the Cross-strait Tourism Exchange Association, said in herspeech that as one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, Shanxi was rich in culturalheritages and considered as "museum of Chinese ancient architectures".Ithad world-famous world heritage sites like Mount Wutai, Pingyao Ancient City,and Yungang Grottoes. "We hope that more Taiwan people will travel toShanxi and open up new prospects for cultural and tourism exchanges between thetwo sides after the epidemic", she added.

"Taiwanese tourism industry is inseparablefrom the mainland market. The mainland is the preferred destination for many Taiwanese," Xiao Boren said in aninterview, the president of the Association of Taiwan Travel MerchantsAssociation. "We believe that Taiwanesetravel to the mainland will increase in resilience after the epidemic.Therefore, our tourism industry has made full preparation for continuing the promotionof travelingto the mainland after the epidemic."