Returning to one's ancestral homeland is a powerful way to connect with cultural heritage. From July 22 to 26, Dongguan will welcome 83 Chinese youth from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia, and Jamaica, alongside 14 local students, for a five-day cultural journey titled the "Overseas Chinese Root-Seeking Journey (Dongguan)."

This event offers young people of Chinese heritage an opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral roots, understand their cultural heritage, and build lasting connections with the peers from Dongguan. During the journey, the 97 participants will explore the four major cultural highlights of Dongguan, experiencing the city's unique charm. 

This root-seeking journey aims to provide a comprehensive view of Dongguan's urban environment, business climate, technological innovation, and cultural heritage. Participants will gain a deep understanding of Dongguan's cultural roots and witness the remarkable achievements of modern China, becoming ambassadors of cultural exchange.

Liang Yanling, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the Dongguan Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Party Group of the Dongguan Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, warmly welcomed the young participants. Liang expressed her hope that through this journey, the youth would gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture, and feel a stronger connection to their ancestral homeland. She encouraged them to become ambassadors of Chinese culture, sharing their experiences and insights with family and friends worldwide.

The teenagers will visit the Naval Battle Museum and the Guangdong Memorial Hall of Dongjiang Column to understand Dongguan's historical significance as a "land of heroes." They will also engage in traditional cultural activities such as making mooncakes, wrapping zongzi, dragon boat racing, lion dancing, and appreciating Guanxiang, experiencing the unique charm of Chinese folk culture.

Additionally, the journey includes visits to the Nanshe Ancient Villages of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Art Toys Center, and the Peking University Institute of Optoelectronics, showcasing the blend of Dongguan's historical culture and modern innovation. These experiences aim to deepen the participants' understanding of Chinese culture and history, fostering a sense of pride and identity.

Feng Wenxiang, from the Dongguan Association of Ipoh, Perak in Malaysia, highlighted the significance of this journey. He noted that while many Chinese schools in Malaysia provide a solid foundation in Chinese language and culture, participating in the event allows the youth to personally experience the profoundness of Chinese traditional culture and witness the remarkable progress of Dongguan. "We hope the students will immerse themselves fully, learn deeply, and gain a sense of pride and confidence in their heritage."

By engaging in such enriching activities, these young individuals will return to their respective countries with a renewed sense of identity and a greater appreciation for their cultural roots. They expressed their intention to share their experiences from the Dongguan journey with their friends and family back home, spreading Chinese culture and the stories of Dongguan.