30 local, expat children join Shekou summer camp for cultural immersion

More than 30 local and expatriate children gathered at the Shekou Subdistrict Public Service Center for a day of cultural immersion during the inaugural session of the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp that officially opened Monday, celebrating the spirit of international cooperation ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held in Shenzhen.

Children and organizers pose for a group photo during the opening session of the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp at the Shekou Subdistrict Public Service Center in Shenzhen on Monday. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

Hosted by the Shekou Subdistrict Office and organized by the Nanshan Southwind Social Work Service Center and the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), the camp aims to foster cross-cultural connections among local and expatriate youth in one of Shenzhen’s most diverse international communities, celebrating the spirit of international cooperation ahead of meeting later this year.

Participants listen during a cultural activity at the opening session of the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp in Shenzhen.

A child takes part in a Filipino folk music workshop during the opening session of the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp in Shenzhen.

The event began with a vibrant exploration of the Filipino folk music led by musician Mark Buenviaje. Participating children were introduced to various percussion instruments and traditional rhythms that are central to Filipino daily life. The workshop culminated in a "body percussion" performance, where children used snaps, stomps, and claps to create music, proving that rhythm serves as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers.

Emma Chan (L) and Antonina Buenviaje display handcrafted lacquer fans created during a workshop on the traditional Chinese "floating lacquer" technique at the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp in Shenzhen.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to Chinese intangible cultural heritage with a workshop on lacquer fan crafting. Guided by Master Guo Meng, the children learned the 2,000-year-old Chu-style "floating lacquer" technique. By dripping mineral pigments into water and carefully submerging bamboo fans, each child created a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

The activity provided many expatriate children with a profound introduction to the aesthetic depth of traditional Chinese crafts. "I never knew Chinese fans featured such beautiful artistry," remarked one young participant. 

Ana Paula Gonzalez Patton from Mexico also said she enjoyed creating a personalized lacquer fan. “Look, this is the fan I made, and I have written my name on it,” said the 7-year-old.

Ana Paula Gonzalez Patton from Mexico displays a lacquer fan she created during a workshop on the traditional Chinese "floating lacquer" technique at the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp in Shenzhen.

The summer camp is structured into two sessions, featuring instructors from eight APEC member economies. Over the coming two weeks, the program will offer a diverse curriculum featuring Russian dance, American interactive games, Korean taekwondo, Mexican culture, Australian cuisine, and New Zealand volunteerism. This variety allows children from all backgrounds to bond through shared learning and play.

Young participants expressed high enthusiasm for the program. Antonina Buenviaje, an 11-year-old from Russia, enjoyed the opportunity to take part in new crafts alongside her father’s music session. By bridging cultures through music, art, and sport, these young "cultural ambassadors" are building a foundation of friendship and mutual understanding.