The Taiwan Youth Artist Creation Base was unveiled at the Chaoshan Mountain Scenic Area in Linping district, Hangzhou on Feb 20. Artists from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered amidst the picturesque scenery to engage in cultural exchanges while enjoying the beauty of plum blossoms.

Artists from Taiwan's Qingliu School of Painting and other university art students also came to sketch and commemorate the occasion.

"This is my third time in Hangzhou, and it's peak plum blossom season as well. I've visited famous spots like West Lake, Town God's Pavilion, and Lingyin Temple before. Overall, I feel that Hangzhou is a place rich in culture, with institutions like the China Academy of Art and Xiling Seal Society serving as artistic hubs, along with diverse platforms for exchange. After graduation, I will consider coming to Hangzhou to broaden my horizons," said Lin, a student from the Department of Fine Arts at National Taiwan Normal University.

Taiwan painter Cao Ying's father is from Hangzhou. Cao has been shuttling between the two sides of the Strait since the 1970s and is deeply impressed by Hangzhou's tremendous changes over the years.

"It's like a different city every year, especially in terms of the environment and transportation system. At the same time, it's evident that Hangzhou places great emphasis on culture and sports," Cao said.

The establishment of the Taiwan Youth Artist Creation Base aims to preserve the tradition of calligraphy and painting and build a platform for exchange among young calligraphers and painters from both sides of the Strait.