Cultural Heritage and Exploration: An overview of the exciting activities from July 15 to 17, 2023 at Zigong Summer Camp, Sichuan, on the journey in search of Chinese roots.
July 15
In the morning, the participants visited the Chinese Lantern Museum, which represents an important part of the lantern culture in China and is the heart of the “South Lantern City”. During this visit, the participants were able to understand the history of Zigong’s colorful lanterns in a concrete way, which reinforced their love for traditional culture.
After lunch, they learned fun pictographic characters at a local school, deepening their understanding of the evolution of Chinese characters and their cultural significance.
Then, a children’s theater teacher introduced them to the mask culture of the Beijing theater (Peking opera), and everyone was able to draw their own mask.
In the evening, it was time for table tennis, considered the “national sport” of China, allowing participants to feel the joy of sport in a lively atmosphere.
July 16
The participants went to Ziliujing Primary School to learn Wu Bu Quan boxing (five stages) and tried to dance the lion and the dragon. The Lion Dance, as a traditional Chinese folk art, symbolizes the removal of misfortune and the pursuit of good fortune, allowing participants to deeply feel the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
In the afternoon, everyone studied and rehearsed the numbers of the Closing Ceremony, overcoming all difficulties and giving an exciting performance. In the evening, participants visited the Zigong Dinosaur Museum, admiring world-class collections and participating in a game of “treasure in the dragon palace”, providing an unforgettable experience of the evening.
July 17
The participants met with students of the same age from Zigong and went together to the Confucian temple of Fushun for a visit. Inside the temple, they donned traditional Hanfu clothing and participated in the coming of age ceremony, writing wishes together to express their respect for the traditional culture.
At lunch, they tasted peasant dishes and learned how to prepare soy milk and tofu, thus discovering authentic rural life. In the afternoon, they visited the “Vinegar Factory of a Thousand Flavors” to understand the process of making traditional vinegar.
In the evening, they rushed to the rehearsal room to rehearse the closing numbers in earnest. At the closing ceremony, the participants handed over carefully prepared banners and gifts to the Zigong Overseas Chinese Association, Xingzhong Administrative School and the travel agency, expressing their gratitude to the organizers of the summer camp.
Looking back on the activities of the last three days of the Zigong Summer Camp on the Chinese Roots Trip in 2023, the participants not only experienced the charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also deepened their knowledge of Zigong, a city rich in history and culture. The exciting activities of the summer camp not only expanded their knowledge but also fostered exchanges with local students, thus sparking their love for Chinese culture. This unforgettable experience will undoubtedly be a valuable asset in their growth journey.