Beneath the towering cedar trees of Kuliang, a long-standing symbol of China-U.S. friendship, Gordon Trimble and his family gathered on April 25 with teachers and students from five schools in Fujian province for a special reunion rooted in history, education and cultural exchange.

Gordon Trimble and his family gather with teachers and students from five schools in Fujian province beneath the towering cedar trees of Kuliang, a long-standing symbol of China-U.S. friendship.

The occasion marked the third "Gordon's Kuliang Friendship Lunch", founded by American educator Gordon Trimble, a member of the "Kuliang Friends".

More than a century ago, Gordon's grandaunt, Lydia Trimble, traveled from the United States to Fujian and helped establish several schools, including what is now Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College, originally South China's first women's university. Her educational philosophy and spirit of service continue to influence generations of students today.

For more than 20 years, Gordon and his wife, Sonia Trimble, have volunteered as teachers at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College, returning annually to teach for one semester. Their family foundation has donated more than 4 million yuan ($588,400) to support the college and student exchange programs between China and the United States.

Gordon Trimble visits the Kuliang Family Stories Museum on its opening day, June 22, 2024, reflecting on memories of Kuliang and his family’s long-standing connection to the area.

The Trimble family's connection with Fujian spans five generations. Gordon's grandfather, Charles Garnet Trimble, arrived in Fujian in 1914 as a medical missionary, providing healthcare and medical training in the region. Summers in Kuliang became treasured family memories, shaped by shared time, conversations, and everyday life in the hillside community. 

Gordon Trimble engages with students during a class at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College on April 24, 2026.

In recent years, Gordon has continued to promote educational exchange programs between Chinese and American schools. Many American students visiting China for the first time have formed lasting friendships with their Chinese classmates, gaining a deeper understanding of the country beyond stereotypes and headlines.

Walking along Kuliang's historic stone-paved streets, Gordon reflected on the legacy passed down through generations.

"Kuliang is more than a summer retreat," he said. "It is a spiritual home where people from different cultures came together with mutual respect, shared knowledge and a desire to make the world better."