At the end of April, as spring rain gently veiled the mountains and mist seemed to weave poetry through time, Kuliang welcomed both familiar friends and fresh faces. On April 26, "Kuliang Friend" Gordon Trimble and his wife returned to Kuliang, joined by faculty and student representatives from Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College and professors from the University of Huddersfield, UK.

"Kuliang Friend" Gordon Trimble and his wife, together with representatives from Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College and the University of Huddersfield, UK, visit key cultural exchange landmarks in Kuliang. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

The group visited several key landmarks of cross-cultural exchange, including the Former Residence of Lydia Trimble, the Kuliang Post Office, Kuliang Old Street, the Kuliang Historical Architecture Exhibition Hall, the Kuliang Club, King Cryptomeria Park, and the Kuliang Families Story Museum. At each site, they sought traces of friendship that have endured across more than a century.

Lydia Trimble, Gordon Trimble's grandaunt, arrived in China in 1889 and dedicated over 50 years to education and missionary work in Fujian. She served as the founding president of South China Women's College, the predecessor of today's Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College. During summer breaks, Lydia would escape the heat by retreating to Kuliang, where she named her summer cottage "Iowa Cottage".

Over the years, nearly ten members of the Trimble family contributed in various ways to the founding and development of the college. The seeds of friendship that Lydia planted have since grown into a flourishing forest. In the 1980s, Gordon Trimble and his father, Robert Trimble, visited Fuzhou several times to carry forward this enduring legacy. After retiring in 2005, Gordon and his wife moved to Fuzhou, where they have continued teaching at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College for more than two decades. Through ongoing efforts, the Trimbles have remained steadfast promoters of people-to-people cultural exchange between China and the United States.

On this return to Kuliang, Gordon brought ten new companions, all of whom are distinguished alumni of Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College. "I believe these outstanding graduates are the true ambassadors of the Kuliang spirit on the international stage," said Gordon. "Gathered here, hand in hand, they are bringing this spirit to life through their actions and helping others appreciate the essence of Kuliang."

Participants pose for a group photo at a storytelling and speech-sharing session in Kuliang. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

That afternoon, the visiting group participated in a storytelling and speech-sharing session held in Kuliang, where they savored local cuisine and exchanged personal reflections on their connection to the area.

Ren Jianhong, president of Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College, delivers a keynote speech. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

An alumnus of Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College poses for a photo with Gordon Trimble (right) after delivering a keynote speech and receiving an award. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

Cecilia Cobbs (right) accepts a trophy on behalf of the University of Puget Sound, U.S. [Photo provided to bondwithkuliang.org.cn]

In recent years, as the story of Kuliang continues to resonate far and wide, its message has struck a deep chord with young people both in China and around the world. Inspired by its legacy, countless youth have come to Kuliang, not merely to visit, but to engage with its history and reflect on its meaning. Through fresh perspectives, they interpret its rich cultural and historical significance, planting new seeds of understanding and friendship that ensure the story of Kuliang continues to thrive for generations to come.