Mainland trip promotes understanding

Mainland trip promotes understanding A group of 2,500 young Taiwan students is gathering in Beijing for an unforgettable cultural and historical journey through the capital.

Invited by the All China Women's Federation, 100 female university students from Taiwan arrived on Tuesday for a one-week tour. Most have not been to the mainland before.

The week-long tour includes visits to famous sites, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, as well as talk to local Beijing students.

"I've seen the Forbidden City millions of times on television, because many operas and movies are shot there," said Xu Yuzi, an 18-year-old girl from Taoyuan. Fingerprint Time Attendance

At the same time, 1,123 Taiwan students from 214 schools on the island or from overseas are in the capital attending a 15-day summer camp organized by the All China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots.

Sitting in a wheelchair, Xu Yuanhau, a 20-year-old student from Taipei's Tsinghua University, vowed to climb on to the Great Wall, scheduled for today for his group.

"I broke my leg days before the summer camp, but I insisted on coming despite my mother's objection," Xu said. "I want to see the Great Wall. Crutches may help me get there." Fingerprint Time Attendance

Yesterday evening another group of 150 students joined 100 mainland college students at a party in the former residence of Soong Ching Ling to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Beijing's successful bid to host the 2008 Olympics.