Summer camp brings students from Beijing, Hong Kong and Macao together

An exchange summer camp of students from Beijing, Hong Kong and Macao kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the 30th anniversary of the camp since it was launched in 1994.

About 150 students and teachers from the three regions will embark on a six-day cultural and historical tour of Beijing and North China's Shanxi province, visiting scenic spots and museums to gain a deeper understanding of the country's development and cultural heritage.

Organized by the Ministry of Education, the summer camp aims to provide opportunities for secondary school and university students from the three places to enhance exchanges and build friendships.

Ni Haidong, Party secretary of the Beijing Language and Culture University, highlighted the significance of the 30th anniversary of the event this year.

"Over the past 30 years, the camp has brought together young people from the three regions to foster friendly exchanges, providing an important platform for them to understand Beijing and the Chinese mainland," he said during the opening ceremony at the university.

Lin Zhixin, a student from Hong Kong Leung Shek Chee College and a member of the summer camp, said she hopes to meet new people and expand her social circle through the program.

"As Beijing is far from Hong Kong and Macao, students from the three regions face difficulties in direct communication. Participating in the exchange camp can increase face-to-face interactions and enhance mutual familiarity," Lin said.

Pu Yiran, a student from a branch institute of Beijing 101 Middle School, found students from Hong Kong and Macao were more proactive in communication.

"Although it felt strange at first, the exchanges helped us explore common background, and we were even able to discuss classic literature and classical Chinese language," Pu said.

During the summer camp, students will visit iconic scenic spots such as the National Stadium in Beijing and Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi to learn about the history and culture of the country and strengthen exchanges.

Wang Ruiyuan contributed to this story.