Author: Su Yang, Chen Jiasuo

Publisher: Integrated Media Center 

Date: July 19, 2024

On July 11th, the 11th Taiwan Youth Lingnan Campus Cultural Exchange Camp, hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education in collaboration with the Guangdong Cross-Strait Exchange Promotion Association, concluded at Jinan University. More than 60 Taiwan youth participated in the camp, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the university and the region.

(Taiwan youth participate in a dragon dance experience)

Throughout the camp, participants engaged in activities that included visits to the School History Museum and the World Overseas Chinese Literature Museum, alongside their peers from Jinan University. They also had the opportunity to experience the vibrant traditions of dragon and lion dances, gaining firsthand insight into the essence of Chinese cultural practices.

(Camper representatives share insights from their research and learning experiences)

Camper Li Zhengxun shared his reflections on the lion dance, expressing that while he had seen performances in Taiwan, experiencing it live was a novel and enriching experience. “Even with lightweight props, the operation is not as effortless as it seems. This experience allowed me to truly appreciate the difficulty of lion dance performances and the dedication of those who keep the tradition alive,” he remarked.

The closing ceremony for the camp took place in the conference room on the fourth floor of the university's alumni building, bringing together prominent attendees, including:

- Li Mingzhu, Director of the Exchange and Communication Department of the Taiwan Affairs Office of Guangdong Province

- Wang Huijing, Director of the Exchange and Cooperation Department of the Education Department of Guangdong Province

- Zhou Yi, Third Level Researcher of the Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao Affairs Office of Dongguan City

- Wang Yu, Director of the Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Jinan University

- Wang Peng, Director of the Project Department of the Xingyun Culture and Education Public Welfare Foundation

In her address, Wang Yu emphasized that the exchange camp serves as not only a cultural exploration but also a vital bridge for fostering mutual trust and understanding among the youth from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. She reaffirmed Jinan University’s commitment to promoting academic and cultural exchanges, urging participants to become ambassadors for cross-strait engagement and to contribute their youthful energy toward peaceful development and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xu Hongye, representing Taiwan students at Jinan University, shared his experiences as a finance student from Sihai Academy. He spoke about the enriching dialogues he had with exceptional educators and peers, noting that the cultural diversity at Jinan allowed him to realize his role as both a learner and a disseminator of culture. Xu expressed his determination to spread traditional Chinese culture worldwide through tangible actions.

Four Taiwan camper representatives also voiced their thoughts, with Lin Yuxiu elaborating on the profound knowledge he gained during the camp. He highlighted his exploration of the universe and Earth, as well as advancements in technology and artificial intelligence in China. Lin acknowledged seeing classroom knowledge applied in real-world contexts, emphasizing the vast potential within the technology sector and setting personal aspirations for his future. He summed up his experience with the saying, “Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books,” reflecting on the depth of learning achieved through this cultural exchange. 

 (All members of the Camp)

The 11th Taiwan Youth Lingnan Tour Campus Cultural Exchange Camp not only facilitated cultural immersion but also served to strengthen the bonds between young people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, setting a promising foundation for future collaborations.