[The following is issued on behalf of the Institute of Philanthropy]
“I used to only see the Palace Museum on television.”
For many young people, the Palace Museum is an iconic destination where China’s rich history and cultural heritage come to life. Through the “Palace Museum Dreamscapes” Charity Summer Camp 2026, 138 students and teachers from across the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao will have the opportunity to experience this cultural treasure first-hand, stepping inside one of the world’s most significant heritage sites and engaging directly with its architecture, history, and treasured cultural relics.
Jointly organised by the Palace Museum and The Forbidden City Cultural Heritage Conservation Foundation and exclusively funded by the Institute of Philanthropy (IoP), the six-day summer camp officially commenced today in Beijing. The programme brings together young people from different regions of China, including 49 primary and secondary school students from Hong Kong, creating opportunities for cultural learning, exchange, and friendship while deepening their understanding of the nation’s history and cultural legacy.
Through guided tours of the Palace Museum, cultural learning activities, and exchange sessions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the museum and its collections. The programme will also take students to the exhibition “Galloping Through Time: Digital Reimagination of Horse Art and Culture” , as well as some of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tiananmen Square flag-raising ceremony, the Badaling Great Wall, Peking University, the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), and the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube). Through cultural relic appreciation, historical storytelling, traditional craft workshops and immersive site visits, students will experience first-hand the richness of traditional Chinese culture.
The camp is a key initiative under the five-year collaboration between IoP and the Palace Museum and marks the third consecutive year of IoP’s exclusive sponsorship. Since 2024, it has benefited more than 350 students and teachers, helping nurture future ambassadors of Chinese culture while strengthening cross-regional exchange and national identity among youth from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. The programme also supports Hong Kong’s development as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Reflecting on their experience at last year’s camp, one student shared how this first-hand exploration transformed their understanding of Chinese history: “I used to only see the Palace Museum on television but seeing it with my own eyes made me incredibly excited and happy. This journey has sparked a much deeper interest in traditional culture. When I return home, I will continue learning and share these stories with the people around me.”
A launch ceremony for this year’s camp was held today at the Palace Museum. Officiating guests included Ann Kung, IoP Deputy Chairman and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and Zhu Hongwen, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum.
Zhu Hongwen, Deputy Director of the Palace Museum, said promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture and helping young people promoting China’s outstanding traditional culture and helping young people appreciate the richness of Chinese culture is a key responsibility of the Palace Museum. She noted that the “Palace Museum Dreamscapes” programme has, since 2011, helped young people from across the country visit, understand and connect with the Palace Museum. Zhu added that this year’s summer camp features immersive experiences that combine exploration of the museum’s historic architecture and cultural treasures with cultural learning activities that bring history and traditional craftsmanship to life. She said the Palace Museum would continue to provide a platform for young people to explore history, experience culture and exchange ideas, helping them deepen their understanding of China’s cultural heritage.
Ann Kung, IoP Deputy Chairman and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, said that IoP was honoured to exclusively sponsor the summer camp for the third consecutive year. She encouraged the students to cherish this rare opportunity to broaden their horizons and forge lasting friendships. Kung hoped that the experience would inspire them to continue exploring, learning, and growing, and to become future custodians and advocates of traditional Chinese culture.
About the Institute of Philanthropy
The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a seed grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China, Asia and beyond, IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.
