This summer, the lush hills of Kuliang welcomed back several members of the "Kuliang Friends", descendants of families from the U.S. who once lived in the famous mountain retreat from the heat, located on the outskirts of Fuzhou in East China's Fujian province.

Returning not only to rediscover their roots, but also to renew cherished friendships, they brought with them new stories that carry forward the enduring legacy of people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.

One of the most touching reunions took place at the Memorial Wall for Anti-Japanese War Heroes in Fuzhou. Elyn MacInnis visited the memorial to honor the memory of her father-in-law, Donald MacInnis, a member of the Flying Tigers who served in China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931–45) and who later lived in Kuliang.

Elyn MacInnis (left) holds the hand of Chen Shiming during their visit to the Memorial Wall for Anti-Japanese War Heroes in Fuzhou. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]

She was accompanied by Chen Shiming, a Chinese veteran now over 100 years old and one of Donald's former students, whom she affectionately calls her "Dad in China". Hand in hand, the two paid tribute to Donald and to all those whose courage forged lasting bonds of friendship across national borders.

During the visit, Chen presented Elyn with a copy of his autobiography. In return, she inscribed the title page with the words, "To my Dad in China, I love you". She said the stories of those who fought for peace should never be forgotten, adding that their courage, friendship and selflessness continue to inspire new generations.

Another returning "Kuliang Friend", Priscilla Gill, now in her 90s and born in China, embarked on a heritage journey with her daughter, Carol, and granddaughter, Katy.

Together they visited Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, where Priscilla's father once served, strolled through Fuzhou's historic neighborhoods and traveled to Gutian county, where she spent part of her childhood.

"I was born in China, and I have always carried a deep love for this place," Priscilla said. Although she no longer speaks the Fuzhou dialect as fluently as she once did, hearing its familiar sounds still fills her with a profound sense of home.

For Katy, witnessing her grandmother's emotional return brought family history vividly back to life. "When I saw my grandmother step off the bus with tears in her eyes, I realized just how much this place means to our family," she said. "I'm proud that this is part of our family's story, and I'm grateful to experience the places where my ancestors once lived and worked".

Their visit coincided with the Bond with Kuliang: 2026 China-U.S. Youth Baseball Exhibition Games and Sports Festival, where young people from both countries are forging friendships of their own through sports and cultural exchanges.

For local researcher and volunteer Guo Qing, every reunion offers an opportunity to uncover another chapter of Kuliang's shared history. For years, he's helped overseas families trace their connections to the mountain community through old maps, historical photographs, local archives and even the Fuzhou dialect.

He describes himself as a "messenger" — dedicated to preserving the memories of Kuliang's international community and ensuring that its stories of friendship continue to be discovered and shared.

Inspired by years of reconnecting with Chinese friends and retracing the history of China-U.S. exchanges, Elyn is now writing a book about these remarkable experiences. Reflecting on the message she hopes readers will take away, she said life's greatest treasures are neither fame nor fortune, but the connections we build with one another.

"When we're young, we often don't realize how precious human connections are," she said. "What truly matters is having a heart open to the world, treating others with kindness, and helping those around us — even if it's simply with a smile".