The families of Kuliang

The mountain retreat of Kuliang in Fuzhou, China, serves as a historical bridge for enduring friendships between American families and their Chinese neighbors. Over the past 11 years, the Kuliang Research Team, led by Elyn MacInnis, has meticulously recovered letters, photographs, and diaries to document these cross-cultural connections. These narratives reveal that individuals from diverse backgrounds formed deep, lasting bonds that persisted for generations, often surviving the challenges of war and geographic separation. Stories like those of the Caldwell family, who protected villagers from man-eating tigers, and Milton Gardner, who cherished memories of his childhood home until his final days, illustrate the profound impact of these personal relationships. These historical accounts underscore the power of openness and curiosity in fostering mutual understanding, providing a blueprint for contemporary people-to-people diplomacy that transcends national and cultural differences.