Ateneo Confucius Institute organizes China Summer Camp across four cities - Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shenzhen

For the first time, China Summer Camp program expanded its reach to four cities, providing a richer and more diverse immersion experience in China. The program, organized by the Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University and its partner institution, Sun Yat-sen University, featured a four-day Beijing City tour, one-and-a-half-day Zhuhai City tour, two-and-a-half-day Shenzhen City tour, and attended a three-day Chinese language and culture course at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou City from 29 June to 12 July 2025.

The trip started in China’s capital city, Beijing, where the campers visited iconic historical spots, such as the Great Wall of China, Tian’anmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Beijing Olympic Park, Qianmen Street and Hutong Old Village. 

Following the Beijing tour, the participants flew south to Guangzhou and attended classes at Sun Yat-sen University. They took intensive courses in Practical Chinese Conversation and Chinese culture. During the stay, students had the opportunity to explore campus life in SYSU and interact with local students.The participants also explored famous spots in Guangzhou, including Canton Tower, Five Goats Statue in Yuexiu Park, Yong Qing Fang, Chen Clan Museum, Lychee Bay and Shamian Island.

As a student who wants to study in China, this China Summer Camp is the first step for me to learn more about China's culture, people, architecture, and its beauty. - Venisse Leanne Tokim

A notable addition to this year’s camp is the visit to the GAC Automobile Science and Technology Museum in Guangzhou. Participants had a firsthand experience testing innovative car models by the Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), including a traditional Chinese instrument, Guzheng, performance by one of their robots and a ride in a self-driving car.

The campers also visited several locations in one of China’s tourist-popular cities, Zhuhai. Bordering Macau, the trip featured a visit to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, a bridge connecting the Zhuhai Port Artificial Island to both Macao and Hong Kong. Participants also visited the Zhuhai Grand Theater, Hengqin Planning Exhibition Hall and BY-HEALTH Intelligent Factory, where they explored an unmanned warehouse manufacturing health supplies and supplements. 

The trip really helped me improve my Mandarin a lot. Being in China, I had to use Mandarin every day. Even though my skills were limited, I had no choice but to try. - Janine Matugas

Moving to its fourth city for the trip, the campers visited China’s technology capital, Shenzhen City. During the visit, the campers explored Nantou Ancient City, Huaqiangbei Electronic Product Wholesale Market and visited Shenzhen Reform and Opening Up Exhibition Hall.

All of these activities, including meals and accommodations, were subsidized by Sun Yat-sen University and the Chinese International Education Foundation. All students were required to take the HSK Levels 1 and 2 examinations to qualify for the program. Through this Summer Camp, the Ateneo Confucius Institute hopes to encourage more Filipino students to learn about China’s history, culture, language, and modern society, as well as develop friendly and lasting relationships between Filipino students, Chinese students, and teachers. 

List of participants:

• Mayojade J. Ablaza - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Ernest Jacoby V. Ang - Wellspring Christian Family Schools
• Ethan Jackenzie V. Ang - Wellspring Christian Family Schools       
• Josh Darren W. Ang Ngo Ching - De La Salle University      
• Frank III  D. Chiongson - De La Salle University
• Lance Reilly Y. Chuco - Singapore School Manila
• Aira Junel I. Delos Reyes - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Edison Thomas L. Gan - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Raymond Manuel P. Leong - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Robyn Keona T. Li - Wellspring Christian Family Schools
• Denise O. Loyola - Bacolod Tay Tung High School
• James Laurence G. Manubay - Ateneo de Naga University       
• Leanne Francesca  G. Manubay - Ateneo de Naga University
• Janine L. Matugas - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Gerlene Angel L. Meñez - Confucius Institute at Ateneo       
• Lovely Mae O. Muñez - Confucius Institute at Ateneo
• Samantha Alexa C. See - British School Manila
• Samisha Summer A. Suriaga - Northern Rizal Yorklin School       
• Venisse Leanne C. Tokim - Confucius Institute at Ateneo