Online cultural event for overseas Chinese in Oceania opens in Guilin

Opening ceremony. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2021 Chinese Culture Land - Oceania Camp opened both online and on-site at Guilin Tourism University (GTU) in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on June 30.

Attendees of the opening ceremony included envoys, representatives of Chinese schools, more than 200 overseas Chinese students from Oceanian countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Vanuatu, and over 100 overseas students from GTU.

One of the six 2021 Chinese Culture Land events, the Oceania Camp was hosted by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and organized by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and GTU.

The event is scheduled to last for 10 days and online activities will be prioritized considering the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Distinctive lessons featuring traditional Chinese culture such as Chinese ink painting, calligraphy, tea art, ethnic dancing and poems will be available, together with online presentations showcasing Guangxi and Guilin's natural scenery. 

Lin Na, Party secretary of GTU, said that traditional Chinese teaching methods have been threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, on-site cultural exchanges have been suspended. 

Lin pointed out that the event is a useful attempt at bringing Chinese education online.

Chen Jie, deputy director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, expressed her hope that overseas Chinese can learn more about Chinese culture through the event and get a closer look at China's rapid development.