Students from nine universities in Taiwan said they are looking forward to learning about Hainan province's social development, experiencing its local cultures and customs, and exchanging ideas with their peers as they participate in a summer camp this week.

Taiwan and Hainan, China's two major islands, are often called "sister islands", as they are not only geographically close, but their people have strong ties, their customs are similar and their cultures are connected, said Fu Zhiguan, president of the Hainan Taiwan Compatriots Association, at the opening ceremony of the camp held at Qiongtai Normal University on Sunday.

"While enjoying the beautiful natural scenery of Hainan and experiencing Chinese and Hainan culture in the following days, I hope that you will observe and grow to understand the province's socioeconomic development, and then share what you see with your family and friends in Taiwan and bring them here," Fu said.

The students are participating in the 20th Youth Summer Camp in Hainan organized by the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, which will run through Saturday. The students will visit exhibition halls, key industrial parks, beautiful countryside and the tropical rainforest.

Lin Chen, vice-president of Qiongtai Normal University, said at the ceremony that he hoped that the youth from Taiwan would learn about the Hainan free trade port and become ambassadors of cross-Strait cultural exchanges. He also invited them to study, work and start businesses in Hainan, share the development of the free trade port with others back home and create a better future for both sides of the Strait.

Wang Bo-hao, a sophomore at Chihlee University of Technology in Taiwan, said that after talking with local students he found that he and his Hainan peers have some common concerns, including the pressure to succeed and their future employment goals. He said he plans to share his experience in Hainan with his friends.

Tsai Tsung-i, who is studying for a master's in science and technology management at National Taiwan Normal University, said he has also enjoyed communicating with Hainan students.

"The warmth of the Hainan people is like its climate. Once you experience it, you will never forget it," he said. "I will take this chance to tour Hainan, communicate with local youth and learn about the mainland's rapid development of its digital economy and commerce."

Tsai, who is visiting the Chinese mainland for the first time, said he likes to watch Chinese costumes dramas and debate shows on TV, and he has learned about mainland foods and cultures by watching videos on online platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin.

Tsai said he wants to visit Hainan's night markets and taste the province's famed Wenchang chicken.

Tsai Pei-chen, a junior majoring in applied music at the Tainan National University of the Arts, visited Beijing and Shanghai years ago. This time, she is looking forward to interacting with teachers and students in Hainan to learn about the local education system and culture.

"Hainan has rich ethnic cultures. Taiwan also has minority groups, which we call aborigines, who originally lived in the mountains, have good singing voices and compose beautiful ballads. During this summer camp, I want to learn more about Hainan's ethnic dances and music, and strengthen my understanding of mutual cultures," she said.

Zhang Lei, a Taiwan descendant who was born and raised in Hainan, hopes the exchanges between Taiwan and Hainan students help foster stronger ties between the islands.

"Youth is the future of the country, and the hope of both sides of the Strait. I hope that the youth take this opportunity to hold cultural discussions, communicate thoroughly with each other and establish a sincere friendship," she said.