The ninth Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum concludes in Taizhou on July 20. [Photo provided to Tide News]

More than 200 young people from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan gathered in Tiantai county, Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, for the closing camp of the ninth Cross-Strait Youth Development Forum on July 20.

Participants visited Alibaba in Hangzhou, Tiantai Mountain, and the ancient town of Xianju county, gaining first-hand experience of the province's cultural heritage, natural scenery, and digital development.

Taiwan residents said the trip gave them a deeper understanding of daily life on the Chinese mainland. Some highlighted the convenience of digital services such as mobile payments and transportation, while others said the visits challenged their previous impressions by showing how Zhejiang combines traditional culture with technological innovation.

The camp also featured cultural performances and interactive activities. Young people from both sides sang songs including See the Chimney Smoke by Teresa Teng and took part in games designed to encourage communication.