Participants pose at the opening ceremony of the Thai-Chinese autumn camp in Northwest China’s Gansu province. [photo/Chinanews.com]

The opening ceremony of an autumn camp to help overseas Chinese youth get in touch with their roots was held in Lanzhou, Northwest China’s Gansu on Oct 19.

The camp was sponsored by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and was undertaken by the Gansu Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The Gansu Zeno Yanxue Culture Industry Co jointly organized the activity with them. In the week following the opening ceremony, 40 Thai-Chinese teenagers took part in the Gansu Ancient Silk Road Camp to travel along the Ancient Silk Road and experience Chinese culture.

Xu Yanli, a member of the Party committee of the Gansu Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, said that Zhang Qian's (Zhang was a famous explorer in ancient China) exploration of the western regions made it easier for ancient China to communicate with western countries. Merchants not only brought Chinese silk and other goods to foreign countries, but also transmitted western cultures to China.

Xu said he hoped the campers can learn about the inclusiveness of Chinese civilization and witness the collision and exchange of eastern and western cultures through the tour.

"As descendants of the Emperor Yan and Emperor Huang, no matter where we are, we cannot forget that our roots are in China," Xu said. Gansu has almost all kinds of landforms except for the sea, including grasslands, lakes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, wetlands and deserts. Xu suggested that the campers actively participate in all activities to enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a deep understanding of profound Chinese history and culture.

According to Lin Meiyu, a Thailand camp leader, Gansu has a long history, profound culture, gorgeous scenery and many places of interest, which have affected the Thai campers deeply.

In addition to the visits and courses, campers can also communicate and study with students from local schools. Lin hoped that every camper can cherish this rare opportunity, studying hard, watching carefully, communicating and understanding more, and striving for more gains.

“Over the past 70 years, China has witnessed great development and achievement. As a descendant of Thai Chinese, I am very proud of China,” said Lin Jiafu, a camper representative. Chinese is now being studied all over the world, and "Chinese fever" has become a new trend in Thailand. Through this autumn camp, the participants can not only improve their Chinese proficiency, but also enrich their knowledge of profound Chinese civilization.

Cai Shujun, CEO of Gansu Zeno Yanxue Culture Industry Company, said that an exchange program for overseas teenagers would be held in ZhangYe Middle School In Gansu province. The day-long activity aims to deepen the friendship between students in China and abroad and helping learn about various cultures and the lives of Chinese students.