Kuliang, located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, is known for its unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures. In the mid-19th century, Fuzhou, one of China's earliest treaty ports, drew expatriates from over 20 countries. Due to its favorable climate, Kuliang emerged as a popular summer retreat, and by 1935, it had evolved into a well-established international community featuring numerous residences, churches, hospitals, and post offices.
To further explore Kuliang's untold stories and reconnect with the global "Friends of Kuliang" network, the "Bond with Kuliang" initiative, launched by China Daily, is now accepting submissions of lesser-known accounts related to Kuliang. Contributions may center on former residents from European nations and the United States. Submissions are welcome in any language, with no word limit, provided they are original and unpublished. The deadline is July 2025.
The "Friends of Kuliang" community continues to grow, serving as a platform for fostering people-to-people exchanges between China and the world. Members such as Elyn MacInnis and Lee Gardner, the descendants of former Kuliang residents, remain actively engaged in preserving and sharing the legacy of Kuliang.
To recognize outstanding contributions, the initiative offers awards ranging from $100 to $1,000. A special prize, an invitation to a friendship event in Fuzhou, will be awarded to the submission that helps identify a new "Friend of Kuliang."
