Teachers and students involved in a week-long program in Tianjin that explores modern Chinese history pose for a group photo. [Photo by Yan Dongjie/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of students from Taiwan has begun a week-long program in Tianjin that explores modern Chinese history and includes exchanges with local students and visits to historical sites across the northern port city.

Tianjin Foreign Studies University and Chung Hua University in Taiwan jointly organized the program, now in its 11th year. "This activity provides a solid platform for strengthening mutual understanding and fostering friendship among young people on both sides," said Hu Zhigang, deputy Party secretary of Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

Twenty-two Taiwan students joined this year's program. The itinerary brought them to the Dagukou Fort Ruins Museum, the Liang Qichao Former Residence, and the Tianjin Huoyuanjia School.