Thousands of young people from Taiwan continue to visit the Chinese mainland despite travel warnings recently issued by DPP authorities. In Zhejiang Province, hundreds of Taiwan youth have gathered in recent days to deepen their understanding of the mainland and learn more about their shared cultural roots. Zheng Yibing reports.

Despite the travel warning by Taiwan authorities, young people from the island region have flocked to the Chinese mainland this summer. The annual Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum concluded on Friday in eastern China's Zhejiang Province, just one example of close exchanges. Some 700 participants from Taiwan came to experience life on the mainland first-hand.

HOU HAN-TING Taipei City Councilor "This is the first time for many participants to come to the mainland. Of course, there are obstruction and even interference in Taiwan. So, these young people have been brave enough to take the first step."

TSAI SHENG-FANG Taiwan youth "And I hope we find more common ground through this, find our cultural identity and where we are from."

The participants visited museums, historical sites, companies, factories and other industries in Zhejiang Province. Many, especially those on their first trip, said the mainland is different from what they've been told in Taiwan. And, they said they want to find more common ground by embracing their shared cultural identity.

HUANG XU-PING Taiwan youth "It's best for the youth in Taiwan to have good communication so we can share in opportunities on the mainland."

PENG YOU-HONG Taiwan youth "We should pass on Chinese traditions together. At the moment there's a process of de-Sinicization in Taiwan. Our team members want to film what we see here to share with others in Taiwan."

We interviewed the former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang Party from Taiwan, about developments in the island region.

HUNG HSIU-CHU Former Chairperson, Chinese Kuomintang Party "In the past, the common school motto was 'sense of propriety, justice, honesty and honor.' But now, children in Taiwan do not know where they come from and where they are going. So, we must have the courage to stand up against this."

Her message is clear – people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese, and should deepen communication, exchanges and understanding to advance, together. Zheng Yibing, CGTN, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.