International friends plant trees together. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]

Nearly 40 Chinese and international residents gathered at the Forest Music Plaza in Lianqian subdistrict on March 18. Together, they planted osmanthus and redflower loropetalum trees, sowing the seeds of friendship and peace in the spring air.

Chinese and international guests teamed up to steady saplings, fill soil, and water them. Eric from Finland joined Asher and Henry from the Philippines to write wishes like "For international friendship and peace" and "Have a prosperous life" on tags and hang them on the branches: hopes for good neighbors and a good life.

Weronika Byrdy from Poland joined her first tree-planting event in Xiamen, saying, "It's a great way to connect with nature. It promotes green living and reminds us to care for our shared environment."

Danijel Nikolic, a well-traveled visitor from Serbia, was impressed, stating, "Xiamen is like a big garden. Nature and life blend perfectly here."

Hamidreza Sahandi from Iran added: "In Iran, we have a 'Nature Day' tied to tree planting. Connecting with nature is key to building a better future."

People of different backgrounds and languages came together, united by greenery and connected by friendship, creating a picture of communal harmony and a living testament to the blending of cultures.