A Min Opera performer entertains the audience during a cross-Strait cultural exchange activity in Fuzhou, Fujian province, on Dec 10. LYU MING/CHINA NEWS SERVICE

Chen also manages a cross-Strait exchange center to welcome Taiwan youths to the mainland.

She said she hopes to foster more exchanges between children from both sides of the Strait through sports activities.

"They can build friendships from a young age. The children can leave contact information for each other, chat regularly and eventually become friends," she said.

In Chen's apartment, families from both sides of the Strait mix and become friends and often help each other out.

Chen Wenjing, the community director, said that the community helps Taiwan households pair up with mainland neighbors who help them adjust to local life.

Residents from both sides also organize activities to celebrate festivals together.

She said she was moved by a Taiwan compatriot living in the community who told her, "Taiwan is my home, and now Fuzhou is my home".