Through the camps, overseas Chinese youths will have a ?close encounter? with the ancient Chinese capital. They will visit the Palace Museum and the Great Wall, taste roast duck, learn Chinese folk dance and practice Chinese martial arts.

The Chinese martial arts -- practiced since primitive times -- have evolved to embody the spirit and pride of the Chinese nation. In modern times, Chinese wushu also has become a sport while maintaining its general appeal as a crystallization of Chinese wisdom.

Chinese dance is diversified. In remote antiquity, people danced in hunting, fighting, sacrificing and praying. Through dynasties, the ancient dance and folk dance developed in different aspects. Chinese dance today maintains its unique characteristics and great charm.

In all of the extensive and profound Chinese culture, the Chinese dance and martial art are undoubtedly two dazzling pearls.

The sponsors -- the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and China Overseas Exchanges Association -- which have successfully held the summer camp for four years, said that they chose the Chinese dance and martial art as two themes this year because they want the overseas Chinese youths to know Chinese culture and history in a unique way, thereby enhancing their interests in learning Chinese.

Since schools around the world have summer holidays in different times, the sponsors decide to divide the summer camps into two. The Chinese dance summer camp will be from July 22-29, while the Chinese martial art camp, from August 3-10, each covering eight days. In this way, the sponsors provide more chances for overseas Chinese to find their roots.

Youngsters will receive professional and systematic training in dance and martial arts in the summer camp. Also, they will see films related to Chinese dance and martial arts and enjoy places of interest in Beijing. In their spare time, they will also play basketball, make pottery and swim.

The sponsors hope overseas youngsters can have more exchanges with mainland students that provide hands-on experiences in their homeland. The overseas youths are expected to share what they see and hear to their friends at home, helping to introduce Chinese history and culture to the world as a bridge of friendship between China and the country where they live.

Youngsters interested in either the dance summer camp or the martial arts summer camp can register by contacting the Chinese Embassy in their country.

(中新社 [China News Service] by Xing Liyu, translated by Li Jinhui for china.org.cn, May 31, 2002)