At 5:00 p.m. on August 2, 2019, the opening ceremony of the 2019 "China Roots - Seeking Journey" Summer Camp for overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers in Leshan, Sichuan, was held at the Academic Exchange Center of Leshan Vocational and Technical College. A total of 134 Chinese - descendant teenagers from Germany and Spain embarked on this journey of seeking their roots. The ceremony was attended by Long Bo, a second - rank inspector from the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Xiong Wei, member of the Standing Committee of the Leshan Municipal Party Committee, Minister of Organization and Minister of United Front Affairs, Liao Kequan, Vice Mayor of Leshan City, Jian Lu, Secretary of the Party Committee of Leshan Vocational and Technical College, Chen Zhihai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, and relevant officials from the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Leshan Municipal Committee, and Municipal Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese. The opening ceremony was presided over by Liao Kequan.
Jian Lu's Welcome Speech:
Jian Lu delivered a welcome speech. On behalf of all the staff of Leshan Vocational and Technical College, he extended his heartfelt congratulations on the opening of the Leshan Camp in Sichuan and warmly welcomed the leaders and participants who had come from afar. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the leaders of the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the Leshan Municipal Committee and Municipal Government for their long - term care and attention to the college. Jian Lu pointed out that the Chinese nation has always had a strong sense of homeland and that recognizing one's ancestry is an important cultural trait of the Chinese people. The college would do its best to provide good service and hoped that the participants would actively take part in the activities, communicate and learn more, and make many friends during the summer camp. He believed that this trip to Sichuan and Leshan would deepen their understanding of Chinese culture and enhance their love for their national language and culture. He wished everyone a pleasant and unforgettable time in Leshan and the successful completion of the 2019 "China Roots - Seeking Journey" Summer Camp for overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers in Leshan, Sichuan.
Long Bo's Speech:
Long Bo said that Leshan is one of the key bases for the "China Roots - Seeking Journey" for overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers that the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese is focusing on building. In recent years, Leshan has hosted many summer and winter camps and has accumulated rich experience in Chinese teaching, activity arrangements, cultural exchanges, foreign publicity, and logistical services. He hoped that the overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers would study hard, feel deeply, follow the rules, respect teachers and friends, and fully experience the unique charm of Bashu and local cultures in Leshan during their stay. This would further enhance their interest and motivation in learning about Chinese culture and strive to become messengers of friendly exchanges between people of the host country and people of Sichuan.
Xiong Wei's Speech:
On behalf of Peng Lin, Secretary of the Leshan Municipal Party Committee, Xiong Wei warmly welcomed the leaders and Chinese - descendant teenagers from Germany and Spain. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the Sichuan Provincial Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese for its long - term care and support for Leshan. He introduced the local customs and culture of Leshan in an interesting way. Leshan has three World Heritage sites: Mount Emei, the Leshan Giant Buddha, and the Dongfeng Irrigation Canal. It is the hometown of the literary giant Guo Moruo. The charm of Mount Emei for millions of years, the Leshan Giant Buddha for a thousand years, and Guo Moruo for a hundred years complement each other and have become an important base for overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers to seek their roots and learn and inherit Chinese culture.
Representatives' Speeches:
Representatives of the camp leaders, Wulan, and the participants, Huang Enqi, expressed their gratitude for the warm reception and hard work of the Leshan friends. They said they would make good use of this opportunity to study Chinese culture, appreciate its charm, and deepen their understanding of it.
Cultural Performances:
At the opening ceremony, Leshan Vocational and Technical College also prepared a wonderful cultural performance for the leaders and participants. Guo Shengnan's violin solo was melodious, Liu Qian's national dance was united and upward - looking, and the students' recitation of ancient Chinese poetry reflected the civilization of the Chinese nation. Among them, the "Chuan Opera Fire - Spitting" and "Chuan Opera Face - Changing" were magical and wonderful, and the overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers from afar couldn't help but applaud and take photos to commemorate the moment.
This "China Roots - Seeking Journey" summer camp for overseas Chinese - descendant teenagers is the first time that Leshan Vocational and Technical College has taken charge of it. In the 8 - day summer camp, the college has carefully arranged a variety of Chinese cultural experience courses, such as learning Chinese, reciting poetry, practicing calligraphy and painting, paper - cutting, and martial arts. It also arranged visits to famous natural and cultural sites and industrial and agricultural demonstration areas in Leshan and its surrounding areas, such as the Leshan Giant Buddha, Emei Mountain Great Buddha Chan Temple, Jianwei Confucian Temple, Nongfu Spring Water Plant, and Jin Nan Valley. Let everyone make full use of this opportunity to fully enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers of Leshan, feel the rich and colorful local culture, and witness the rapid development of Leshan.
