The 'China Museum for Fujian-Taiwan Kinship', a national museum that explains the historical relationship between the mainland province of Fujian and the island of Taiwan, has welcomed a flood of visitors as the Sixth National Farmers' Games is held in Quanzhou, a city of Fujian, where the museum is located.

The museum was established in 2004 and now serves as a national education base for youngsters. The museum has seven exhibition halls which tell the geographical, historical, cultural and commercial relationship between Fujian and Taiwan.

Quanzhou is the closest mainland city to Taiwan and the citizens of the two places have much in common in terms of cultural traditions and religious beliefs. For instance, they all worship Matsu, the Goddess who protects fishermen and sailors at sea.

The museum also displays the many local crafts of Quanzhou such as stone carving, wood carving, embroidery and puppet making.

The four puppets that highlighted the performance of the opening ceremony at the 2008 Beijing Olympics were made by Quanzhou artists, says Xie Fen, a museum guide and volunteer for the farmers' games.

Many of the visitors are amazed by the rich exhibits in the museum, and there are many tourists from Taiwan who say the museum makes them feel right at home.

"We are very close in geographical location and we share the same cultural roots, we are family," said Mr. Xiong, a tourist from Taiwan who was travelling with friends.

"We have toured Quanzhou's neighboring city Xiamen and will spend the next few days in Quanzhou, since the farmers' games are being held here," Mr. Xiong added.

Taiwan athletes have taken part in various events in the farmers' games including Chess, Fishing, Swimming and Track and Field events.

(CRIENGLISH.com November 2, 2008)