The 2025 "Roots-Seeking Tour in China" Winter Camp (Tianjin Normal University) opened on December 25. The opening ceremony was attended by Yang Kun, Vice Chairman of the Tianjin Overseas Chinese Federation (TJOCF), and Dong Hongxia, Deputy Secretary of the CPC TNU Committee. Also present were distinguished guests including Lin Weihua, Principal of Confucius Forest Academy in Barcelona, Spain; Lin Shaoyu, Principal of Milan Chinese School of Italian Christianity, Italy; Zhang Xiaofeng, Director of Academic Affairs at the Mongolia-China Friendship School for Overseas Chinese in Mongolia; Zhang Jiannong, Deputy Director of the Social Work and Liaison Department of the TJOCF; Yang Zetong, Second-Level Researcher of the Social Work and Liaison Department of the TJOCF; Zhang Xiangdong, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC TNU Committee and Director of the United Front Work Department; and Zhou Sihong, Chairperson of the TNU Overseas Chinese Federation. Faculty representatives from the International Chinese Education Development Research Institute and the College of International Education and Exchange, along with all camp participants, joined the event. At the ceremony, Yang Kun presented the camp flag.

Dong Hongxia expressed gratitude for the trust and support of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and the TJOCF, and extended a warm welcome to the representatives of overseas organizations and all participants. She emphasized that the "Roots-Seeking Tour in China" program serves as a bridge for overseas Chinese youth to explore their cultural heritage and connect with their ancestral homeland. She noted that the courses and cultural activities of this winter camp would allow participants to immerse themselves in the charm of Tianjin's urban culture and the essence of traditional Chinese culture, witness firsthand the achievements of Chinese modernization, and strengthen their cultural and national identity.

Lin Shaoyu expressed sincere thanks to the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, the TJOCF, and TNU for their meticulous organization. She stated that overseas Chinese language education is dedicated to preserving national heritage, and this winter camp provides a valuable opportunity for overseas Chinese youth to reconnect with their ancestral homeland. She hoped the participants would fully engage in the activities, gain knowledge and friendships through learning and exchange, and contribute to promoting the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.

Participant representative Zhang Mixuele shared her eager anticipation for the journey. She expressed her commitment to actively participate in all activities, proactively learn about Chinese culture, experience the developmental vitality of her ancestral homeland, and strive to become an ambassador for disseminating Chinese culture and promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries.

The 2025 "Roots-Seeking Tour in China" Winter Camp (TNU) is organized by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, hosted by the TJOCF, and co-organized by TNU. Students were enrolled through the Confucius Forest Academy in Barcelona, Spain; the Milan Chinese School of Italian Christianity, Italy; and the Mongolia-China Friendship School for Overseas Chinese in Mongolia, with a total of 40 overseas Chinese youth participants. Lasting 10 days from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026, the camp integrates classroom teaching, cultural exploration, and visits. Through immersive learning and practice, it aims to lead participants to appreciate the unique charm of Tianjin culture, understand China's national conditions and modernization achievements, and further deepen their cultural and ancestral identification with their homeland.

By He Jierui