2010 Chinese Root-Seeking Tour opens

2010 Chinese Root-Seeking Tour started on July 25 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and more than 6,000 overseas Chinese youths from 51 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan gathered to share the profound Chinese culture.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping called on overseas Chinese youths participating in a "root-seeking tour" to carry on the traditions of their ancestors, feed their mind with spiritual nutrition from the Chinese history and culture, and become communicators between cultures.

Xi encouraged the youths in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony to actively participate in various forms of cultural exchange activities, allow more people to know about the rich Chinese culture, and become "civilian ambassadors" between China and the places they live in.

Xi said that overseas Chinese coming back to China to seek their roots show that they have a strong "sense of closeness" toward their ancestral home, and understand that their blood is Chinese and they are willing to carry on the Chinese culture that has lasted thousands of years.

"The Chinese culture is the only one of the world's ancient civilizations that continuously lasted 5,000 years. The unique cultural traditions are the common wealth of all the Chinese at home and abroad," he said.

Xi stressed that China would always adhere to the road of "development, peace and cooperation" and make greater contributions to the progress of mankind's civilization.

During the following three days, camp members will visit historical sites and scenic spots in Beijing and have a get-together with their local peers.

"China Root-Seeking" summer camp activities for overseas Chinese Youth are held by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of State Council and the China Overseas Exchanges Association in order to help overseas Chinese American young people learn Chinese language, understand the Chinese history and culture, and also promote the exchanges between those young people living both in China and abroad through the event.