Chongqing — As spring blossoms reached their peak, more than 700 enthusiasts from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in East Hot Spring Town, Banan District, for the 2026 Cross-Strait Integration Development Exchange Camp and the Chongqing Banan East Hot Spring Sports Carnival. Held on Sunday, the event combined athletic competition with cultural exchange and local hospitality.

Guests from Taiwan are enjoying the running (Photo: Feng Xiaolou)

In recent years, Banan District has promoted a “Sports + Culture + Tourism” development model. By leveraging its hot spring resources, the district is building platforms for cross-strait exchange. The carnival highlighted this approach while supporting continued engagement between Chongqing and Taiwan.

The opening ceremony (Photo: Feng Xiaolou)

The festivities opened with the Jiangjia Dragon Dance, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage performance. Participants then joined 5 km and 20 km mountain hiking events, as well as a riverside walk. The routes offered a step-by-step scenic experience, winding through forests, ancient temples, and geothermal springs.

The sense of connection was evident among participants. One runner who traveled from Taiwan told iChongqing: "I flew directly from Taiwan to Chongqing, and the natural scenery and hot springs here are truly world-class. Beyond the sports, we also visited local enterprises. Hearing the stories of how these businesses grew from small workshops to industry leaders was incredibly impressive."

Another participant, Wang Jiaheng, shared his impressions: "This is my second trip to Chongqing, and I am constantly moved by the warmth and hospitality of the people here," Wang said before stepping to the starting line.

The “Cross-Strait Heart-to-Heart” market featured a mix of local Banan specialties, such as chrysanthemum tea, alongside Taiwanese snacks like pineapple cakes. The two-day program also included youth exchange activities in local tea gardens, where participants practiced traditional tea-making and paper-cutting, fostering shared cultural connections through hands-on experience.

The event concluded with a focus on continued grassroots exchange. Through activities that combine sport, culture, and tourism, Banan District is positioning itself as a platform for ongoing cross-strait engagement.