The Italian Innovation Center's 2026 "Root-Seeking Journey" 

Summer Camp for Chinese Heritage Youth Concludes Successfully

On August 13, the final group of 40 Chinese heritage youth from Italy, accompanied by their teachers, visited Fudan University to tour its History Museum and Science and Innovation Museum. With this visit to the century-old institution, the Italian Innovation Center's 2026 "Root-Seeking Journey" Summer Camp for Chinese Heritage Youth drew to a successful close.

This summer, the Italian Innovation Center organized over 70 Italian Chinese heritage youth to come to Yangpu, Shanghai. Through diverse activities including traditional cultural experiences, real-world city visits, and civilizational exchange and mutual learning, they touched the pulse of Chinese culture and experienced the development of contemporary China. The Fudan visit was the final stop of the entire journey — and the most meaningful one.

In the History Museum, time unfolded slowly before their eyes. Yellowed old photographs, precious archival manuscripts, and vivid physical exhibits quietly told the story of this prestigious university's century-long journey of perseverance and unbroken dedication to scholarship. Led by a guide, the campers read the university motto — "Broad in learning, steadfast in purpose; inquisitive in thought, reflective in action" — and listened to stories of earlier scholars who pursued knowledge in service of the nation. History was no longer mere words on a page but a warmth within reach — the children paused to gaze, listened attentively, and occasionally asked questions in slightly awkward yet exceptionally earnest Chinese. Some even took out notebooks and copied down the motto they admired, character by character.

In the Science and Innovation Museum, a completely different scene unfolded, buzzing with energy. Cutting-edge research achievements and ingenious technological exhibits drew repeated exclamations of amazement from the campers. With curiosity shining in their eyes, the children gathered around the exhibits, observing closely and discussing enthusiastically, reluctant to leave. Several campers even spontaneously gathered together to talk about their scientific dreams, making a pact to apply to Fudan University when they grow up.

"My grandfather often told me stories about our hometown. China used to exist only in his stories," said Leon, a 15-year-old camper, after the visit. "But today, walking on this century-old campus, I suddenly understood where my 'roots' are. I want to study Chinese better and come back to study here in the future!" Teacher Li, the group leader, also reflected that the children had transformed from being reserved upon entering the country to forming aspirations of returning to their ancestral homeland with their peers. The changes brought by "root-seeking" happened in every detail, and this Fudan visit planted dreams in their hearts.

Deep roots make lush leaves. This root-seeking journey brought the Chinese heritage youth not only broader horizons but also a profound cultural identity and national pride. Chinese heritage youth are a bridge for cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and Italy. The Italian Innovation Center will continue to build platforms to help more Chinese heritage youth return to China, seek their roots, explore new horizons, and grow into talent — so that the seeds of Sino-Italian friendship, nourished by the power of youth, are passed down from generation to generation.