Quanzhou has always held a special place in Cai's heart. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Nineteen-year-old Cai Sining grew up in the Philippines, yet her hometown of Quanzhou, Fujian, has always held a special place in her heart. Every holiday, she would travel back with her parents to visit her grandmother, wandering through the narrow lanes, savoring the aroma of local snacks, and feeling an undeniable sense of familiarity and warmth.

In the summer of 2024, Cai returned once again, this time as a participant in a Chinese Language Summer Camp, embarking on a six-week journey of language learning and cultural discovery. To her, Quanzhou appeared more vivid and alive than ever before.

"The classes were incredibly rich and made learning Chinese really fun," Cai recalled.

At her school, the Philippine Cultural College Caloocan Campus, Cai studies Chinese using textbooks from the Chinese mainland and often practices the language with classmates. Even during elementary school, she would spend her holidays joining classes in China to strengthen her Chinese foundation. Though already fluent, the summer camp offered her a fresh experience: the chance to use Chinese in real-life settings. Through this immersion, she learned to express herself more naturally and communicate with greater confidence.

During her stay at Quanzhou Nanshaolin Experimental School, Cai took part in classes on dance, music, martial arts, sanda (Chinese kickboxing), and baduanjin (a traditional qigong exercise). These courses gave her a deeper understanding of Quanzhou's rich cultural heritage.

"Martial arts and baduanjin were completely new to me," she said. "The moves were difficult at first, but the teachers demonstrated them step by step, and I gradually found the rhythm and form. It was tiring, but also rewarding, especially baduanjin, which combines strength with grace. After practicing, I always felt relaxed and recharged."

The cultural experience extended beyond the classroom as well. During the camp's sports meet, Cai took on the challenge of hosting the opening ceremony, in Chinese, for the very first time.

"I was really nervous at first, afraid I'd misread my script," she laughed. "But when I started speaking and heard the applause from the audience, I suddenly felt a strong sense of connection."

That moment gave her a newfound confidence and sharpened her ability to communicate in Chinese. Later, as a volleyball referee, she learned to give clear instructions and maintain order in the game, all in Chinese.

"I was worried I'd make mistakes, but my teammates were very supportive," she said. "We helped each other and made it work."

Through these activities, Cai not only improved her Chinese communication skills naturally and unconsciously, but also learned valuable lessons about teamwork and responsibility.

More importantly, the summer camp deepened her emotional bond with her hometown. While introducing Quanzhou's history, culture, and cuisine to fellow participants, she discovered the joy of sharing Chinese culture with the world.

"To introduce Chinese culture, it doesn't have to be formal," she said. "Even small stories from daily life can show its beauty."

Cai hopes to continue telling China's stories in her own way, through social media, short videos, and everyday moments that allow others to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.

In Cai's story, "hometown" is more than a place on the map − it is a living classroom of heritage and identity. Through her journey of learning and discovery, she not only enhanced her language skills, but also deepened her understanding of Chinese culture and her heartfelt connection to home.