The Ateneo Confucius Institute, alongside its partner university, Sun Yat-sen University, successfully organized a multi-city Summer Camp from June 28 to July 11, 2026, as part of its efforts to provide opportunities for young students to learn Chinese language and culture. The program featured a four-day stay in Beijing visiting its historical sites, a two-day trip to Shenzhen to explore robotics and innovation, and an eight-day stay in Guangzhou dedicated to language and cultural immersion.
On June 28, the first day of the Beijing leg, the campers visited the Summer Palace, a unique historic garden in Haidian District.
Following the first day, the campers set out to climb the Great Wall, where several participants successfully reached the peak. Afterwards, they visited the Olympic Park, home to the famous Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics center – both used in the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympics. Another highlight of the day was visiting the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the headquarters of the Confucius Institute. Here, campers practiced digital Tai Chi, learned Mandarin, and tested their knowledge through interactive quizzes in the experience center.
On the third day, the campers continued exploring iconic historical landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, a historical plaza located at the heart of Beijing, and the Forbidden City, the historic residence of ancient emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, they explored the hutong areas, where they rode rickshaws and strolled through traditional neighborhoods featuring the classic architecture of Old Beijing.
On their final day in Beijing, the campers visited the Temple of Heaven, an ancient imperial complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and a traditional tea house, where they sampled various brewed teas and learned about different tea leaves.
The Guangzhou portion of the trip opened with the official welcome ceremony and the first day of language classes at Sun Yat-sen University. Mr. Hu Zhonglong, the vice dean of the School of Continuing Education, welcomed the students to the campus. Additionally, Dr. Linjun Huang, the Chinese Director of the Ateneo Confucius Institute, delivered a video greeting during the ceremony. Following the ceremony, the students attended their initial Mandarin class before concluding the day with a visit to the iconic Canton Tower.
On July 4, language and culture classes were briefly paused for a two-day excursion to Shenzhen. This trip highlighted technological innovation through visits to venues such as the Shenai Talent Center, showcasing various modern inventions; a 6S robot facility, where campers interacted with robots capable of dancing, singing, conversing, and brewing coffee; and the Shenzhen Reform Museum, which chronicled the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village into a futuristic city.
Upon returning to Guangzhou, the campers resumed their academic schedule, alongside cultural workshops such as a Tai Chi class. On the final day, Sun Yat-sen University organized a city tour covering landmark locations, including the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and Yongqing Fang.
First launched in 2012, this annual program—including meals, accommodations, and activities—was fully subsidized by Sun Yat-sen University and the Chinese International Education Foundation. The initiative aims to provide students with a deep immersion in Mandarin language and Chinese culture while continuing to foster strong friendships between the Philippines and China.
List of Participants:
- Jerrod Von Mesina Aguilar – Ateneo Confucius Institute
- Joseph Carlo Castos Aquino – Ateneo Confucius Institute
- Precious Jade Villanueva Asumbrado – Ateneo Confucius Institute
- Christadawn Paola Fernando Castolo – Ateneo de Manila University
- Gianna Camille Wong Chua – Grace Christian College
- Jehmianne Koa Co – Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
- Jeshilloh Koa Co – Saint Jude Catholic School
- Ezequiel Caw Hou – Davao Christian High School
- Kreig Mckenzie Uy Hung – Ateneo de Manila University
- Drake Pascol Lim – Singapore School Manila
- Kerrie Shanez Chan Lim – Immaculate Conception Academy
- Louiese Marie Brusola Moran – University of Santo Tomas
- Karlisle Darren Bunao Queme – Davao Christian High School
- Audric Anton Ong Quing Perez – MGC New Life Christian Academy
- Sofia Therese Martinez Sitaca – Yale University
- Juancho Antonio Padios Valderrama – Ateneo de Manila University
- Francis Kobe Orendain Villanueva – Ateneo de Manila University
- Edward Rafael Yap Wee – Beacon Academy
- Mico Ethan Teng Yu – Saint Jude Catholic School