Cross-Strait Banqiao Village BA Shines on CCTV’s National Day Special
The cross-Strait Banqiao village basketball teams made a joint appearance on national television during China Media Group’s 2026 National Day special program, xmnn.cn reported. Broadcast on the evening of October 1, the special feature titled “Same Name, Same Heart” highlighted familiar cross-Strait shared village ties through the lens of grassroots athletic competition.
Actors Narrate Basketball Connections Between Xiamen and Taiwan
The micro-story segment was co-narrated by actors Li Naiwen and Zhang Chenguang. It featured players from the New Taipei Banqiao basketball team in Taiwan alongside counterparts from the Jimei Banqiao team in Xiamen. Through visual storytelling, the broadcast detailed the scenic landscapes of Xiamen and the competitive spirit of the cross-Strait “Village BA” basketball tournament, recounting how communities sharing the Banqiao name use basketball to connect across the Taiwan Strait.
Tournament Victory and Ancestral Visits Forge Stronger Ties
Jimei Banqiao basketball team captain Zhang Lu explained that the television collaboration stemmed from their participation in the Third Cross-Strait Same-Name Village “Village BA” Basketball Invitation Tournament held last August. Speaking on October 1, Zhang noted that this year’s tournament took place across Xiamen and Jinjiang, culminating in a tournament victory for the Jimei squad and a reunion with the visiting New Taipei team.
During the competition, players from both sides of the Strait competed while also visiting the Banqiao ancestral homeland in Jimei District’s Qiaoying Subdistrict. The players toured the newly established Banqiao Cross-Strait Same-Name Village Exchange Center to deepen their familial bonds.
Historical Roots Date Back to the Qing Dynasty Kangxi Era
Historical records indicate that Zhang family members from Jimei Banqiao migrated to Taiwan during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty, eventually branching into the Zhang, Liao, and Jian lineages. While the specific designation of “Banqiao village” no longer exists administratively in Xiamen—having been divided into communities such as Dong’an, Hujing, Ye cuo, Ciyao, and Xiawu—local descendants continue to identify as Banqiao people. Landmarks including Banqiao Road and Banqiao Square preserve the historical connection, matching the prominent Banqiao District in New Taipei City.
Decades of Kinship Exchanges Centered Around Ancient Banyan Park
Ever since Banqiao relatives from Taiwan first organized a ancestral-seeking delegation back in 1989, exchanges between the two communities have remained steady. The Zhang Family Ancestral Hall in Ye cuo community and the exchange center opened late last year serve as primary gathering spaces for visiting relatives.
The basketball court at the adjacent Ancient Banyan Park functions as a regular gathering spot for young athletes from both sides. Zhang recalled that the production crew spent late September filming across Xiamen locations, including the Xinglinwan water cycling path, the Ancient Banyan Park court, and the offshore metro line, often recording past 2 a.m. for consecutive days.
When and Where the Banqiao Segment Aired
When was the cross-Strait Banqiao segment broadcast?
The segment aired on the evening of October 1 as part of China Media Group’s 2026 National Day special program.
Which tournament brought the two teams together?
The collaboration followed the Third Cross-Strait Same-Name Village “Village BA” Basketball Invitation Tournament, held in August across Xiamen and Jinjiang.
Where are the historical ancestral roots located?
The ancestral roots trace back to the Zhang family in Jimei’s Banqiao area, with local landmarks like the Zhang Family Ancestral Hall situated in Ye cuo community.
That broadcast appearance followed a series of matches held across Xiamen and Jinjiang that concluded with Jimei capturing the tournament title.
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