“Learning Chinese Language and Culture, Experiencing the Free Trade Port” Summer Camp Opens at Hainan Normal University

By / HIMC / Updated:15:29,02-September-2025

On August 26, 2025, the “Chinese Language and Culture, Experience the Free Trade Port” Summer Camp, hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and co-organized by Hainan Normal University and the Confucius Institute at SEGi University, officially opened at Hainan Normal University. Twenty young participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines gathered in Hainan for a 14-day cultural journey.

The program features Chinese language classes, intangible cultural heritage workshops (such as cloisonné enamel, dragon and lion dance, traditional painting, and calligraphy), Traditional Chinese Medicine sessions, as well as visits to the Hainan Museum, Wenchang Space Exhibition Center, and Dongjiao Coconut Grove. These activities offer participants a comprehensive introduction to Chinese culture and a first-hand experience of the unique vitality of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Notably, the TCM sessions allow students to learn about medicinal herbs and massage techniques, offering them an appreciation of the philosophy of “harmony between humanity and nature.”

The participants shared that the immersive learning not only enhanced their Chinese proficiency but also deepened their cultural understanding. “It was my first time practicing calligraphy and learning TCM massage—it felt like touching history,” said a Malaysian student. Another participant from Indonesia remarked: “The dragon and lion dance gave me a real sense of the power of teamwork.”

At the opening ceremony, Professor Xu Jiliang, Vice President of Hainan Normal University, noted: “The Chinese Bridge program serves as an important platform for young people to learn from each other, promoting mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties.” He emphasized that this summer camp not only leaves participants with unforgettable memories, but also builds a lasting bridge of friendship and cultural exchange between Chinese and international youth.

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