Young artists from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region perform a traditional dance. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A New Year cultural exchange in Fuzhou brought together nearly 200 youth representatives to celebrate shared heritage and contemporary ties, drawing participants from across the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong, Macao, and overseas communities, as well as representatives from diverse ethnic groups.

The program featured performances by young artists from Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, who brought the cultural heritage of Northwest China to the stage. A highlight of this was the Tajik folk dance, whose high-energy choreography by performers in traditional attire energized the crowd and showcased unique ethnic traditions.

Two young performers from Hong Kong enliven the event with a xiangsheng (crosstalk). [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Performances from Taiwan and Hong Kong added to the evening's variety. A Taiwan singer performed Guang Mang (Radiance), a song reflecting youthful aspiration, while a xiangsheng (crosstalk), a traditional Chinese performing art consisting of witty dialogues, wordplay, and puns, by two young performers from Hong Kong drew laughter with quick-witted humor centered on the Year of the Horse.

During a sharing session called "Listening to the Strait", Huang Yuting from Taiwan shared her story of living and working in Fuzhou. She characterized the city as an open hub for growth, highlighting a personal and professional sense of belonging that resonated with the nearly 200 young representatives in attendance.

The event concluded with an interactive session of Xinjiang folk dance, turning the venue into a dynamic exchange.