2026 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp Concludes Successfully

On 21 June, the 2026 Chinese Bridge Summer Camp of the Confucius Institute for Chinese Medicine at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, successfully concluded its programme. The camp was hosted by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation under China’s Ministry of Education and organised by Zhejiang Normal University.

During the two-week immersive Chinese language and cultural experience, the students visited Beijing, Hangzhou, Jinhua, Yiwu and Shanghai. Through language learning, cultural visits and hands-on intangible cultural heritage activities, they gained a deeper understanding of the unique charm of China’s fine traditional culture.

In Beijing, the students climbed the Badaling section of the Great Wall and visited the Palace Museum. In Hangzhou, they visited Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, a partner institution, and walked along the banks of West Lake. In Jinhua, they attended the opening ceremony at Zhejiang Normal University, took part in structured Chinese language classes, and experienced a range of intangible cultural heritage activities, including botanical printing, Wuzhou celadon making, tea art and tai chi. They also visited historical and cultural sites such as the Jinhua Museum, Guzicheng Ancient City, the Confucian Temple, Xiake Ancient Trail, Lunü Lake and the Juyan Tribute Tea Garden, where they experienced the harmony between Jiangnan’s natural scenery and cultural heritage.

In Yiwu, the students visited the Financial and Business District, Yiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yiwu International Trade City. In Lanxi, they explored Youbu Ancient Town and enjoyed friendly exchanges with local residents.

At the opening ceremony held at Zhejiang Normal University in Jinhua, student representative Sarah Jane Holmes shared her reflections on the visits to Beijing and Hangzhou, saying that all participants looked forward to actively engaging with Chinese culture. At the closing of the camp, she said, “From the Great Wall to West Lake, from celadon to tai chi, every experience has made me love this land even more.”

Other participants also said that the summer camp not only improved their Chinese language skills, but also deepened their understanding of Chinese society and culture. The experience further strengthened their confidence in continuing to learn Chinese and promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture.

The successful conclusion of the summer camp provided young people from South Africa with a valuable opportunity for international learning and further strengthened mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and South Africa.