The ninth cross-Straits University Forum on Culture and Creativity is held in Huaqiao University in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on July 16. [Photo/hqu.edu.cn]

The ninth Cross-Straits University Forum on Culture and Creativity was held at Huaqiao University (HQU) in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on July 16. 

Nearly 300 students and teachers from 66 universities and 22 high schools from both sides of the Taiwan Straits participated in the forum, of which over 140 were Taiwanese students visiting the mainland for the first time. 

During the forum, a variety of activities were organized to promote cross-Straits cultural and educational exchanges, including a tour of Fujian for Taiwan's first-timers, a souvenir design competition, a wall-painting competition and an exploration activity to environmental protection bases. 

A number of leaders from both the mainland and Taiwan attended the opening ceremony. Zhou Lianqing, member of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, noted the significance of the forum in promoting closer cross-Straits relations and the peaceful reunification of China. 

Chen Liyu, director of the Art Design Center of Chung Yuan Christian University, said the forum was a great platform for promoting communication and cooperation between students from both sides of the Taiwan Straits. 

HQU's Principal Xu Xipeng encouraged students from both sides to learn from each other and work together to carry forward the traditional Chinese culture. 

Founded by HQU in 2011, the forum is a sub-project of the Cross-Straits Youth Festival, aiming to promote the exchange of ideas between cross-Straits students in many fields.