The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, today (September 22) officiated at the launch ceremony of the first Mainland study tour of the subject of Citizenship and Social Development in Beijing.

     Dr Choi noted that Beijing, as the country's centre for politics, culture, international exchanges, and technological innovation, enables students to deeply experience the capital's rich cultural atmosphere and the advanced pace of the nation's innovative development. Launching the trip in Beijing is an important milestone for Mainland exchange study tours under the Citizenship and Social Development subject.

     She encouraged students to cherish this rare learning opportunity, actively communicate with local youths and experts, deeply appreciate the profound heritage of excellent traditional Chinese culture, and bear in mind the history of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. She urged them to build a more solid cultural confidence and national identity, while cultivating a broad vision with the country at heart, and to reflect how to integrate personal aspirations with the overall development of the country.

     The launch ceremony was held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the first Patriotic Education Base for Hong Kong and Macao Youth. Before the ceremony, students from Queen's College, who participated in the Beijing study tour, joined students from their sister school, Beijing 101 High School, in raising the national flag at the museum.

     Following the launch ceremony, Dr Choi and the students visited the museum, Wanping City, and the Lugou Bridge. She said that the first Patriotic Education Base for Hong Kong and Macao Youth is located in Wanping City by the Lugou Bridge, which marks the historical starting point of the Chinese nation's full-scale War of Resistance against Japan. It allows Hong Kong youth to understand the country starting from its historical roots, which carries a unique symbolic significance.

     The study tour group also visited Meituan today. The visit allowed the students to experience firsthand the nation's outstanding achievements in scientific and technological innovation as well as industrial transformation, helping them learn about development opportunities on the Chinese Mainland and broaden their horizons for future career planning.
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     The five‑day itinerary in Beijing also included visits to Yuanmingyuan, the Palace Museum, the Mutianyu Great Wall, and Shougang Park. In addition, the group visited Peking University and Beijing 101 High School to experience campus life on the Chinese Mainland and engage in exchanges and interactions with local students. This had deepened friendship between young people of the two places while helping students understand the higher education environment and development opportunities on the Chinese Mainland.

     Dr Choi will continue her visit to Beijing tomorrow (September 23) and participate in the activities of the National Day and Professional Exchange Delegation to Beijing from the Hong Kong Education Sector.

Ends/Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:00

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