The "World Heritage Exploration Tour" 2025 American Youth Summer Camp in China concluded successfully on June 23 at Hangzhou Normal University's Cangqian Campus. Co-hosted by Hangzhou Normal University and the National Association of Chinese American Youth, this program served as part of the Young Envoys Scholars (YES) initiative under the guidance and support of the Hangzhou Overseas Chinese Federation. The 14-day cultural exploration brought together Chinese American teenagers from five U.S. states for an immersive journey through Chinese civilization.

Great Wall Expedition: Connecting with 5,000 Years of Heritage

The Great Wall of China, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1987, marked a pivotal starting point for the participants' heritage exploration. Climbing the Badaling section, campers experienced firsthand the grandeur of this ancient military fortification system. Meiqi Xiang from Texas, a national jump rope champion, expressed her emotions: "Standing atop the Great Wall, I finally grasped the profound meaning behind the saying 'He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.'"

The Beijing itinerary also encompassed visits to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, where participants marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship and rich historical legacy of Ming and Qing dynasty imperial architecture.

Liangzhu Archaeological Discovery: Decoding the Origins of Chinese Civilization

Under the meticulous coordination of the Yuhang District Overseas Chinese Federation, campers explored the Liangzhu Museum and Archaeological Site Park, delving into the late Neolithic civilization dating back 5,300-4,300 years. Through expert-guided tours, the young Americans closely examined intricate jade artifacts and learned about the development of rice cultivation, gaining insights into the archaeological evidence of early Chinese civilization.

Li Nuoran, winner of the gold medal at the 8th Global Chinese Recitation Competition, whose mother hails from Hangzhou, remarked: "I never imagined that my mother's hometown possessed such ancient civilization. I feel immense pride in being connected to Hangzhou."

School Exchange: Building Bridges Between Chinese and American Youth

On June 19, participants visited Hangzhou International School, where Principal Gong Yaodong and foreign teacher Chris orchestrated meaningful exchanges with Chinese students. The morning session featured presentations on "A Day in the Life of Chinese and American Students." Siyu Yang from Phillips Academy Andover shared insights about her prestigious institution, founded in 1778, which currently enrolls 1,165 students from 46 countries and territories, offering 312 course options.

Campers experienced authentic Chinese mathematics and English classes while participating in pottery making and tai chi lessons designed to deepen their cultural understanding. During lunch, meaningful conversations between American and Chinese youth created lasting bonds of friendship.

Nanxun Ancient Town: Experiencing Jiangnan Water Town Charm

The June 21 Nanxun excursion emerged as a program highlight, meticulously planned by Xiong Ying, Executive Vice President of the Nanxun District Overseas Chinese Federation, and Zhang Deming, Vice President of the Shanghai Association of "Xiangniu" Descendants in Nanxun District. Participants explored the town's architectural gems: the Zhang Jinjiang Residence, Zhang Shiming's Former Residence, Xiaolian Villa, and the Jiaye Library.

Most notably, campers engaged in hands-on experiences creating traditional Huzhou writing brushes and practicing ancient woodblock printing techniques. These intangible cultural heritage crafts, preserved for centuries, became treasured memories etched in the young Americans' Chinese cultural experience.

Project Showcase: Capturing Heritage Through Photography

To document program outcomes, Associate Professor Chen Yi and project assistant Xi Yang from Hangzhou Normal University organized "China's World Heritage Through American Youth Eyes," an online photography exhibition showcasing participants' unique perspectives and profound connections to Chinese World Heritage sites.

Project Director Xiong Lingling from the National Association of Chinese American Youth observed: "Over these two weeks, the students not only witnessed the majesty of the Great Wall and Forbidden City but also touched the roots of Chinese civilization at Liangzhu and experienced living Jiangnan culture in Nanxun. These represent invaluable cultural experiences."

During the closing ceremony, the National Association of Chinese American Youth presented Hangzhou Normal University with a commemorative plaque inscribed: "Hangzhou Normal University sets sail, welcoming Chinese American youth to explore past and present; the Grand Canal heritage serves as vessel, carrying Sino-American friendship to trace cultural origins," commemorating the program's profound significance.

Program Impact

This 14-day summer camp utilized the Grand Canal—itself a World Heritage site—as a cultural thread connecting Beijing and Hangzhou's heritage resources. Through cultural immersion and interactive experiences, American Chinese youth gained comprehensive understanding of China's unique cultural charm and historical value, strengthening their connection to their ancestral homeland and reinforcing their identification with Chinese civilization, thereby establishing an important platform for Sino-American youth cultural exchange.