A view of Sanmao's ancestral residence in Miaoqiao village in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]

Two cross-Straits exchange centers in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province were inaugurated on Dec 2. 

The two centers are located in Dinghai district's Miaoqiao village and Putuo district's Luxiaxu village. 

Miaoqiao village, where Sanmao's ancestral residence is located, has taken advantage of its connection with Sanmao to strengthen exchanges between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. 

Sanmao was the pen name of the late Echo Chan, a Chinese contemporary novelist, writer and translator from Taiwan. She was best known for her book Stories of the Sahara.

Over the past few years, authorities have upgraded Sanmao's ancestral residence, built a Sanmao prose award exhibition hall, rebuilt a culture park and built a new street themed on literature.  

Authorities have also held more than 20 activities such as photo exhibitions related to Sanmao to improve exchanges between Zhoushan and Taiwan, said a local official. 

Authorities in Luxiaxu village have in recent years been making efforts to enhance cross-Straits exchange. Efforts include introducing a renowned Taiwan chain restaurant, establishing a cultural and creative team consisting of members from Taiwan, promoting Taiwan's agricultural produce via online platforms, and holding online exchanges with villages in Taiwan. 

The village will also roll out a series of preferential policies to attract more Taiwan youths to start businesses in Zhoushan, according to authorities.

A view of Luxiaxu village in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Zhoushan Daily]