On the evening of August 25, the 2025 Cross-Strait Youth Summit themed “Shared Dreams, Shared Radiance” performance event was held at the Shanghai Children’s Art Theater. Over 800 participants, including groups involved in the summit series, youth from both sides of the strait, and representatives from various sectors, attended the performance.

An official from the Taiwan Affairs Office delivered a speech, stating that young people should have the courage to pioneer and strive to be at the forefront of the times as hard workers, innovators, and contributors. Youth from both sides should uphold national unity, jointly promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and safeguard the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation as well as the practical interests of compatriots on both sides. They should shoulder the responsibilities of the era, creating a bright future for themselves and the nation by participating in the country’s economic and social development and the modernization process. Recognizing the historical trend, they should work together to contribute wisdom and strength to the cause of national reunification and rejuvenation. Efforts will continue to provide more convenience for Taiwanese youth to study, work, start businesses, and live on the mainland, strengthening family bonds, closeness, and shared interests.

A senior official from Shanghai expressed that the future of cross-strait relations depends on the youth. Strengthening exchanges and interactions benefits young people from both sides working together and promotes peaceful and integrated development. The Cross-Strait Youth Summit serves as a bridge for friendship and a platform for shared dreams and collaboration. Shanghai is actively playing a leading role in modernization, fully constructing the “Five Centers,” and accelerating the development of a dynamic, open, innovative, and dream-filled city that is youth-friendly. Shanghai will thoroughly implement policies benefiting Taiwanese compatriots, enterprises, and youth, meeting the diverse needs of Taiwanese young people and providing platforms and opportunities for them to pursue and realize their dreams in the city.

A representative from a cultural foundation remarked that compatriots on both sides of the strait share the same roots and are connected by blood, with the vast majority of Taiwanese people welcoming and supporting continued exchanges, which reflects the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. This youth summit shared the “Shanghai stories” of young people from both sides. It is hoped that more platforms and opportunities for exchange and cooperation will be provided for youth in the future.

The themed performance focused on Taiwanese compatriots and youth living, working, and starting businesses in Shanghai, using song, dance, short videos, and situational storytelling to showcase their efforts and achievements on both sides of the Huangpu River. It highlighted their resonance with Shanghai’s dreams, cultural connections, and emotional integration, conveying the deep bond of “family across the strait.” As the summit’s ambassador, a young actor shared his experiences at the event and emotionally sang a segment of the theme song from the TV series “Shanghai Beach.” A veteran Taiwanese singer took the stage to perform the classic song “Come Visit When You Have Time,” noting that “many Taiwanese friends come to Shanghai and don’t want to leave. The most beautiful thing about Shanghai is its warmth and humanity.” The appearance of a well-known Taiwanese actress caused a stir among the audience; she shared her story of falling in love with Shanghai and, together with six Taiwanese youth representatives, discussed their experiences of staying in Shanghai to start businesses, live, and realize their dreams.

The 2025 Cross-Strait Youth Summit, co-hosted by several organizations, themed “Gathering in Shanghai, Youth Across the Strait,” provided a platform for exchanges in culture, sports, music, esports, street dance, and many other areas. Nearly 50 events were held between July and August, attracting over 2,000 Taiwanese youth participants.

Shanghai Children’s Art Theater

The Shanghai Children’s Art Theater is a modern cultural venue dedicated to providing performing arts experiences for young audiences. It was originally established in the 1950s and has since been rebuilt and relocated, with its current prominent facility opening in the Pudong district in 2013. The theater hosts a diverse repertoire of plays, musicals, and educational programs designed to inspire and engage children.

Huangpu River

The Huangpu River is a 113-kilometer-long river flowing through Shanghai, historically serving as the city’s main shipping artery since the Ming Dynasty. It gained prominence in the 19th century as the Huangpu Park on its bund became a symbol of foreign concessions. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, famously dividing the historic Bund from the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and the largest city in China, which grew from a small fishing village into a significant port following the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. It is renowned for its striking blend of historic architecture, such as the Bund, and modern skyscrapers in Pudong, reflecting its rich colonial history and rapid economic development.

Shanghai Beach

Shanghai Beach is a historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River, once famed in the 1920s-30s as a vibrant and sometimes notorious international settlement port. It symbolized the city’s colonial past and was a hub of trade, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Today, the area has been largely redeveloped into the modern Bund, featuring iconic colonial-era architecture and panoramic views of Pudong’s skyscrapers.

Five Centers

I am unable to identify a specific, widely recognized cultural or historical site known as “The Five Centers.” This term could refer to a concept from a specific philosophy, a local place name, or an internal project name. To provide an accurate summary, I would need more specific context or the correct name of the place.