Students from the Foundation for Chinese Education in Geneva, Switzerland, participated in the “China Roots” summer camp in Hunan
Recently, sponsored by the Chinese Overseas Chinese Returning Federation, jointly organized by the Hunan Provincial Federation of Overseas Chinese Returnees, the Changsha Overseas Chinese Federation, the Changde Overseas Chinese Federation, the Xiangxi Prefecture Overseas Chinese Federation, the Shaoyang City Overseas Chinese Federation and the Yongzhou Overseas Chinese Federation, and implemented by the Hunan Song Dan Museum of Chinese Character Art, the 2024 Hunan Summer Camp “China Root-Seeking Tour” has closed in Changsha. More than 80 overseas Chinese teenagers from more than 13 countries and regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and France, concluded a wonderful journey of deep understanding of Chinese history and traditional culture with the first lesson of “One Word Makes You Fall in Love with China.”
Zhang Wu and Yang Ruixuan, students of the Foundation for Chinese Education in Geneva, Switzerland, also actively participated in the event and learned about China’s local history, culture and customs in depth through various activities. Summer camp activities are mainly divided into four categories: cultural experience, historical tours, natural landscapes and interactive exchanges.
Cultural ExperienceIn terms of cultural experience, students participated in a variety of activities related to traditional Chinese culture. For example, they experienced the Hanfu and Xizi ritual at the Song Dan Chinese Character Art Museum and felt the culture of Chinese etiquette;
In the embroidery city of Hunan, they learned traditional Chinese embroidery techniques; In the Lengshuitan district of Yongzhou city, they participated in a craft class on cliff carving and a guqin class on jiuzhi. In addition, the students also visited the Nüshu Ecological Museum, learned about Nüshu culture, and learned how to prepare Chinese food at the Guanxi School. These activities allow students to have a deeper understanding and experience of traditional Chinese culture.
Historical ToursThe historical tour provided the students with an in-depth understanding of China’s history and revolutionary spirit. They visited the Changsha City Museum and learned about the history and culture of Changsha; In Shaoyang, they visited the former residence of Cai Yi and felt the spirit of the revolutionary martyrs; In Yongzhou, they visited Liuzi Temple and learned of Liu Zongyuan’s deeds; In the Yueyan Scenic Area of Daoxian County, they visited Zhou Dunyi’s hometown and learned the essence of Confucian culture. In the end, they paid homage to Emperor Shun, the ancestor of the humanities, and learned Shun culture. These activities not only allowed the students to learn more about China’s history, but also strengthened their patriotic feelings.
In terms of natural scenery, the students enjoyed the beautiful mountains and rivers of Hunan. They visited Langshan, a World Natural Heritage Site, and enjoyed the stunning scenery such as Chili Peak and Camel Peak; During the night tour of the ancient town of Lingling, they learned about local snacks and popular culture; In Jianghua County and Jiangyong County, they visited Yao Cultural Park and Goulan Yao Village, respectively, and learned about the unique folk customs and activities of the Yao people. These nature tours allowed the students to experience the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Hunan in depth.
Interactive activities enrich the students’ summer camp experience. In Xiangjia Village, they attended the “Qiaoxin Cup” and experienced the sportsmanship of Chinese youth.
At No. 4 Primary School in Tuojiang City, Jianghua County, they communicated with the local youth dragon dance team and experienced how to make Yao brocade and Yao sachets.
The students also fished in the rice fields, which was interesting and unique.
At the Master Man Tofu Museum, they participated in a tofu-making experiment. These interactive activities not only strengthened the friendship between the students and local youth, but also gave them a more intuitive understanding of Chinese daily life and culture.
Zhang Wu and Yang Ruixuan, from the Foundation for Chinese Education in Geneva, also played piano for everyone at the summer camp.
This summer camp activity allowed the students of the Foundation for Chinese Education in Geneva, Switzerland, to deeply feel the breadth and depth of Chinese culture and the unique charm of Hunan. Through this root-seeking trip, the students not only enriched their own cultural knowledge, but also strengthened their understanding and identification with China, and strengthened the friendship and cultural exchange between the Chinese and Swiss youth. Everyone said that this journey in search of the roots was not only an unforgettable learning experience, but also a spiritual baptism and cultural sublimation. They are looking forward to bringing back to Switzerland what they have seen and learned and to becoming a disseminator and bridge of Chinese culture.