A homecoming winter camp officially opened in Chaozhou on December 21, gathering over 40 overseas Chinese youths from New Zealand, Thailand, Laos, and other countries. The ten-day camp aims to provide a deep cultural immersion into the heritage of Chaozhou, a key part of Lingnan culture.
The opening ceremony on the banks of the Hanjiang River set the tone with vibrant local performances, including lion dances and Chaozhou dialect songs like "Feng Cheng," instantly creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for the young participants.
Cultural lessons commenced immediately. Campers began exploring the uniqueness of Chaozhou through language, using a dedicated app to learn the basics of the Teochew dialect and to sing classic folk songs about local landmarks.
Mr. Xie Zhaorong, Vice Chairman of the Chaozhou Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, presented the camp flag and encouraged the youth. "We hope you explore the ancient city with curiosity, listen to the charm of Chaozhou music, touch intangible cultural heritage through practice, and savor the appeal of our cuisine," he said. He expressed his wish for them to become future inheritors of Chinese culture and envoys of international exchange.
The camp emphasizes genuine connection. "Cultural heritage relies not just on lectures, but on human connections," said Mr. Lin Runfeng, Vice President of the Teo Swa General Association of New Zealand. He highlighted the planned interactions between campers and local Chaozhou students as a vital, dynamic embodiment of their cultural "roots."
Student representative Lin An'an shared her excitement: "We will walk the ancient streets, learn the dialect, and try our hand at intangible cultural heritage... We will explore with curious eyes and inquiring hearts."
In the coming days, the group will visit cultural landmarks like the Guangji Bridge and Longhu Ancient Village. They will also gain hands-on experience with Teochew Kung Fu tea, Da Wu clay figurines, Teochew opera, and Yingge dance. Through this journey of discovery, dialogue, and experience, these young overseas Chinese are set to write their own unique "story of roots."
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
Editor | Wei Shen, James Campion, Shen He
