Institute of Philanthropy sponsors “Palace Museum Dreamscapes” Charity Summer Camp 2026, connecting over 100 young people with China’s cultural heritage

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.

Over 100 students joined the “Palace Museum Dreamscapes” Charity Summer Camp 2026. (Photo credit: The Palace Museum)

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.”

Students from Hong Kong perform with their teacher at the launch ceremony. (Photo credit: The Palace Museum)

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.

Ann Kung, IoP Deputy Chairman and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, delivers remarks at the launch ceremony. (Photo credit: 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.

Ann Kung, IoP Deputy Chairman and Trustee of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust (1st left), and Dylan Lu, IoP Chief Mainland Representative (1st right), with participating students. (Photo credit: The Palace Museum)

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 26) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The case involves a 6-year-old girl with good past health who presented with a cough since July 20. She developed a fever, runny nose, sore throat and tiredness on July 23 and was brought to seek medical attention at a private clinic. As her symptoms persisted, she was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on July 24, and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen collected by the hospital on July 24 tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The patient remains hospitalised in stable condition and is transferred to a general ward.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. As the patient travelled to Japan during the incubation period (July 16 to 19), the CHP classified the case as an imported case. The CHP will continue to investigate the case. One of the girl's household contacts developed mild upper respiratory symptoms and tested negative for influenza virus. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, the influenza activity has continued to increase. Based on historical surveillance data, the CHP expects the influenza activity to rise steadily for some time after the start of the influenza season before reaching its peak and is expected to remain high in the coming weeks.

The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Given that Hong Kong is currently in the influenza season and the COVID-19 activity has significantly increased, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places; the general public is also advised to wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school. If symptomatic individuals live with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, they should also wear a surgical mask at home to minimise the risk of cross-infection. They should also ensure proper ventilation indoors and enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the household environment.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: AI-found images