The opening ceremony of the 2013 “Chinese Bridge” Summer Camp for American High School Students was held at College of International Studies, Hunan University on the afternoon of July 12. Fifty nine students from American high schools came here, and began their ten-day journey for Chinese culture.

The American students as well as seven American leading teachers came from more than ten high schools like Mayo High School in state of Minnesota.

In order to strengthen American students’ understanding of Chinese culture, Hunan University made exquisite arrangement for “summer camp menu”, such as host family experience in China, firework appreciation in Orange Isle, goodwill basketball game and funny sports with Chinese students, and experience of the charm of Chinese and calligraphy.

"I like Chinese calligraphy very much, and it’s a true art form”, said Alexander, an American student. Though it is burning hot, Jason Irwin from New York smiled still and said that he could bear it, and looked forward to visiting scenic spots in Changsha and learning Chinese.

"This is a good opportunity for American students to get a better understanding of China. Besides, they can learn Chinese much better while communicating with Chinese people”, said Miss Hu, a teacher from Mayo High School. She herself is a Chinese, and speaking Chinese made her more intimate with Chinese people. She hoped that the students can get closer to the China’s rich cultural heritage.