Cai Zhuofeng, a startup founder in Xiamen, has helped turn what was once a "brave but lonely" entrepreneurial journey for young people from Taiwan into a more supported and connected experience, enabling them to integrate into the mainland's new media industry.

Drawing on his experience in e-commerce, Cai established the Haixi multichannel network base for cross-Strait youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Xiamen in 2022. The platform specializes in promoting e-commerce through new media channels, including livestreaming and key opinion leader marketing.

As general manager of the base, Cai said what Taiwan entrepreneurs need most on the mainland is neither funding nor resources, but a sense of belonging and security. He describes his work as building "a bridge across the Taiwan Strait" and himself as a "ferryman" guiding others along the way.

Covering 10,000 square meters, the base features more than 50 shared facilities, including professional livestream studios and recording rooms. It provides full-cycle services such as talent training, supply chain matching and financing support.

The base also fosters an integrated startup ecosystem, where experienced mainland new media professionals mentor newcomers from Taiwan.

Many talented and creative young people from Taiwan would face initial challenges due to unfamiliarity with the mainland's business environment and limited access to resources, Cai said.

This motivated him to take on the role of "ferryman". Startup founders from Taiwan seeking opportunities on the mainland come from diverse backgrounds and include fresh graduates, designers and musicians. The base helps connect them with suitable resources and professional teams while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Advances in artificial intelligence have further empowered talents at the base, enabling tasks such as automated multilingual translation and 24-hour livestreaming through AI avatars. More AI-driven resources will be introduced at the base in the future, Cai said.

Cai described the base as a "shared entrepreneurial family", where Taiwan entrepreneurs no longer feel they are fighting alone and their sense of uncertainty is eased.

"I've seen young people from both sides of the Strait staying up late for a single livestream and working side by side to create a hit product," Cai said, adding that his greatest reward has not been financial gain, but a deep sense of pride and responsibility.

The base, located in Xiamen's Huli district, has hosted more than 120 enterprises, generating an annual output value exceeding 500 million yuan ($72.37 million). Over half of these companies have been Taiwan-funded.

"None of this would be possible without government support," Cai said. Huli district has introduced preferential policies for Taiwan compatriots, including internship and startup subsidies, as well as customized training programs.

The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) stresses continuing to introduce and implement policies and measures that benefit Taiwan compatriots and enterprises while supporting Taiwan-funded enterprises in putting down roots and growing on the mainland.

"When I see them buying homes and settling down in Xiamen, truly putting down roots, the sense of fulfillment is something no amount of money can replace," Cai said.

He emphasized that the platform's significance lies in helping young people from both sides of the Strait recognize each other's strengths and build genuine friendships through shared endeavors."The mutual understanding forged through striving together forms the strongest emotional bond across the Strait," he added.