More than 180 teenagers living overseas attended a summer camp on Aug 3, where they took part in traditional activities which traced back to their ancestors in Shanxi province.

This year's root-seeking activity was organized by the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Shanxi Provincial People's Government, attracting the largest number of participants in the event's history.

During the 10-day event, the students, who come from Germany, Belgium, Spain and America will travel more than 700 kilometers, visiting a large number of world-renowned historic sites in Shanxi province. The students will have the chance to get in close contact with three of the province's cultural heritages; Buddhism culture, Shanxi merchant culture and root-tracking culture.

A group of students living overseas attend a Chinese painting and calligraphy exhibition in Shanxi province. [photo/news.sxrb.com]

In the process, the young students will also attend classes to learn about Chinese traditional culture such as martial arts, calligraphy, painting and handicrafts.

"I want to have a look at the historic relics and remains which have existed for thousands of years," said Zhang Hanlin, a 12-year-old who signed up for the event.

Zhang said that Jinguo Museum is where she is most excited to visit during the trip because she is interested in Chinese history and her mother is an archeologist.

A student tries her hand at Chinese calligraphy during the summer camp held in Shanxi province. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Cai Kejiang, a teacher at the Chinese Language School of Stuttgart in Germany said the parents of the students showed great interest in the summer camp.

Cai said that although they were born in Germany, the children are given many opportunities to learn about the culture of their ancestors. He expressed his hope that the students would be able to show their parents everything they have learned during their trip when they return home.

Tian Yijun, vice-director from the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Shanxi Provincial People's Government said that they have held many activities in recent years aimed at promoting Chinese culture to the world.

A group of students living overseas take part in a martial arts class at a summer camp held in Shanxi province. [Photo/chinanews.com]