#Why the Sino-American Drumlin love affair continues today

The quaint town of Guling, nestled in the foothills of Mount Lu, has long been known for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. However, it is a little-known story that has made this small town famous: the touching tale of friendship between an American woman named Gardner and a young Chinese official named Xi Jinping.

Their unlikely connection began in 1992 when Secretary Xi, who was then serving as the head of the Fuzhou Municipal Committee, invited Gardner to visit Guling. This gesture was driven by Xi's desire to help fulfil Gardner's husband's lifelong dream of returning to his homeland, China. The elderly American couple had fallen in love with the country during their years living and working there.

Their friendship blossomed over time, with Secretary Xi personally shepherding Gardner through her journey to reconnect with her husband's roots. His efforts paid off when, in 2012, Vice President Xi, who had risen through the ranks of Chinese politics, recounted their heartwarming story during his visit to the United States.

To learn more about this extraordinary tale, China Daily's foreign correspondent Sister Shi Hua recently travelled to Guling. She spoke with locals and delved into the town's archives to piece together the details of this cross-cultural friendship that has captured the hearts of people around the world.

In an interview with Sister Shi, an elderly resident of Guling, Mr. Chen, shared his memories of Secretary Xi's visit and the impact it had on the town: "It was a remarkable experience for us. We couldn't believe that such a high-ranking official would take the time to help an American woman fulfil her husband's dream."

The story of Gardner and Xi Jinping serves as a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for understanding between people from different cultures. It is a reminder that, even in a world where global tensions often dominate headlines, there are individuals who can transcend boundaries and unite us all through acts of kindness and compassion.