Blending into local cultural and folk life in Pingtan, Fujian province proved to be an easy transition for Chen Cuijuan, a Taiwanese who moved her career here three years ago.

Chen Cuijuan, a Taiwanese merchant who runs two snacks stores in Pingtan, Fujian province, dances with local people. [Photo/pingtan.gov.cn]

In fact, the owner of two Taiwan snack shops enjoyed the process a lot, and she already views Pingtan as a second home.

“The cross-Straits traffic has become so convenient. I can prepare materials (for my business) in the morning in Taiwan, take the Haixia (a high-speed passenger ferry) in the afternoon and serve them to my customers at night,” she said.

Prior to coming to Pingtan, Chen was engaged in early childhood education. The job has made her pretty good in dancing and singing.

She brought these fascinating dance moves to Pingtan and passed them on to the local people.

Now, leading a group of square dance lovers on the Haitan Street every night has become a routine business for Chen, who hopes Taiwan’s community culture can blossom in Pingtan, too.

“People dance with glee and ease. And their lives become more colorful,” said Chen.

In her free time, she teaches students at the Pingtan No.1 Middle School the skills of displaying poetry using sign language. And she also plans to join a couple more Taiwanese merchants to promote the art of floral arrangement – all are parts of her efforts in facilitating cross-Straits cultural integration.

“Pingtan aims to build a ‘Common Homeland’. I am an ordinary person, but I’d like to be a trailblazer to bring in more Taiwanese cultures to Pingtan,” she said.

Chen revealed that she has bought her first house in Pingtan, and will move in with her family from Taiwan in December.

“Pingtan’s development and change have increased my confidence in its future. I will open more businesses and introduce more Taiwan elements here,” said Chen.