In the warm embrace of spring, the towering millennium-old cedar tree at Kuliang's Cryptomeria King Park extends its welcoming arms to old and new friends. A group of visitors — participants in the "Coming Home: Renewing the Kuliang Friendship" international cultural exchange event — are rekindling ties to a place their elder generations once formed cherished memories.
The descendants of Edward Pearce Hayes and Elyn MacInnis participate in the "Coming Home: Renewing the Kuliang Friendship" cultural exchange event. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
From March 27 to 28, the descendants of Edward Pearce Hayes — including his granddaughter Susan, her daughter Marilyn, her son Maguire, and her daughter-in-law Carol, arrived in Kuliang for the first time, stepping onto the land where Edward Pearce Hayes had once lived. Led by Elyn MacInnis, member of the Kuliang Friends, the family embarked on an emotional journey to trace back their roots in Kuliang.
Elyn MacInnis shares with the descendants of Edward Pearce Hayes the story behind the statue of a woman carrying a basket with an infant — her husband Peter MacInnis. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
Their visit took them to several key landmarks, such as the Cryptomeria King Park, the SKYE, and the Former Tennis Court.
Edward Pearce Hayes served as a missionary to Fuzhou and its surrounding areas from 1921 to 1951, dedicating three decades to education, healthcare, and church affairs in South China. He was also among the last missionaries to leave Fuzhou after 1949. His son, Bruce Hayes, Susan's father, was born in Fuzhou in 1927. During World War II, he joined the coastal observation stations, supporting the Flying Tigers.
Once a summer retreat residence for the Hayes family, their villa has been transformed into the Life on the Mountain Museum, now a cultural and educational exchange center. The museum houses 200 to 300 artifacts and documents, offering a vivid glimpse into Kuliang's unique lifestyle a century ago.
During the sharing session held at the Hayes Villa, Susan shared her family's deep connection to Kuliang with attendees. She expressed a special wish to locate the descendants of her grandfather's assistant, Ding Sing Kie (possibly 陈新启). Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Kuliang Tourism Resort Administrative Committee at 0591-83308375.
"I grew up listening to the elder generations' stories," Marilyn said. Although she was familiar with the tales of her grandfather and great-grandfather, experiencing Kuliang in person for the first time was surreal. She hopes to return with more family members next time to deepen this heartfelt connection.
The descendants of Edward Pearce Hayes and Elyn MacInnis pose for a photo with traditional oil-paper umbrellas adorned with Kuliang elements. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]
As a warm gesture, Susan's family and Elyn MacInnis received meaningful gifts — traditional oil-paper umbrellas featuring Kuliang-inspired design elements, along with a photo album documenting their journey of root-seeking.
Returning home from afar, reuniting in Kuliang — this mutual bond, spanning a century, continues to live on.
