Summer camp participants show off calligraphy works from the organizers at the launch ceremony. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

A summer camp themed on Chinese culture kicked off in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on Aug 6, with 36 overseas Chinese teenagers and teachers from Germany, Canada, and the Netherlands taking part.

During the 10-day summer camp, these campers will learn about Shen embroidery, appreciate ancient Chinese poetry, practice Chinese martial arts, ride bicycles, visit museums, make banyao kites, and wear hanfu to experience traditional Chinese culture and cultivate deep-rooted friendships.

"We're all in Nantong for the first time, but we've been to China many times," said Dutch camper Ye Hanchen, who expressed a desire to learn more about Nantong culture and traditional craftsmanship, while German camper Chang Chang said he hopes to make new friends. German team leader Shao Ruihong praised the itinerary, saying, "Many activities are arranged for students to experience firsthand. They will also take part in badminton and basketball matches with local teenagers to build friendships."

Wang Xiaohong, an official of the Nantong municipal government, hopes that the campers will share what they learn from this trip with their family and friends, familiarizing more people with Nantong and China and promoting cultural exchanges and mutual learning.

The summer camp program was sponsored by the Federation of Jiangsu Returned Overseas Chinese and organized by the Federation of Nantong Returned Overseas Chinese and Nantong Vocational University.