A closing ceremony of the 2025 Overseas Chinese Youth "Hangzhou Cultural Homecoming" Summer Camp was held on July 14 at ZISU. Mao Zhenhua, Vice President of the university, and Zhao Xinhao, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group of Hangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, attended the event and delivered speeches. Bai Jianjun, Member of the Party Leadership Group andCounselor of Hangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, was also present. Young campers from over 10 countries including France, Italy, and the United States, along with their parents, witnessed the successful conclusion of this cultural roots-seeking journey.
Mao noted that the summer camp not only deepened campers' understanding of Chinese culture but also highlighted their fresh, unique perspectives and vibrant energy in cross-cultural exchanges. This two-way cultural engagement stands as a vivid practice of civilizational mutual learning and a true reflection of efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. He expressed hope that the campers would sustain their curiosity and eagerness to explore Chinese culture, serve as its disseminators, and act as bridge-builders between civilizations with an open and inclusive mind.
Zhao reviewed the wonderful journey of the campers during the summer camp and encouraged them to be devoted practitioners and inheritors of traditional Chinese culture, guardians and connectors of their "roots, soul, and dreams", and friendly envoys for mutual learning between Chinese and world civilizations. He urged them to tell China and Hangzhou's stories through their personal experiences, promote civilizational mutual learning, and build bridges of friendship.
Zhang Xinyu, a camper from France, spoke on behalf of her fellow campers. Sherecalledexcitedly, "We wrote calligraphy, painted Chinese paintings, performed martial arts, listened to stories, and admired the scenery together. I feel closer to Chinese culture and love China even more!"
Parents of Chen Lili, a camper from the United States, and Fang Moning, a camper from Italy, made their remarks on behalf of all parents. They stated, "For us overseas Chinese families, the meaning of 'roots' is special and profound. It is not only a name on the genealogy or a place on the map, but also a cultural gene flowing in our blood." They thanked the organizers for offering such a homecoming for their children, giving them the opportunity to personally experience the history and reality of their motherland and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging to Chinese culture.
During the summer camp, participants enjoyed Hangzhou's landscapes and humanities, discovered the new features of this innovative and vibrant city after the Asian Games, and learned ancient intangible cultural heritage skills, all attracted by the profoundness of Chinese civilization and the charm of Hangzhou's local culture.
In the closing session, the campers vividly presented what they had learned, seen, and felt during the summer camp through video reviews, displays and performances. Their eagerness and excitement showed the love and understanding of young overseas Chinese for their culture.
Leaders from Hangzhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, ZISU's International Affairs Office, the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office, the Belt and Road College, the Overseas Chinese College, and the College of International Education, attended the closing ceremony.
CN
