Basking in the summer sun and filled with a pure longing for the sea, the little “sprites” from the mountains have once again crossed great distances to arrive at YANTIAN, marking the 22nd year of their seaside learning journey. Since YANTIAN funded the construction of Dahaicun Hope Primary School in 2003, this heartfelt promise that bridges mountains and oceans has never been broken. For 22 years, love has flowed like the tide—endlessly and faithfully—transforming the physical distance between the mountains and the sea into a bond from heart to heart.

Exploring Shenzhen, embracing a wider world

This learning tour is more than just a journey—it's an adventure into knowledge and culture, with every stop offering new surprises and moments of growth.

At the Shenzhen Museum, the children listened as history came alive, learning about the city's remarkable transformation. In the Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum, they pressed the launch button to explore the universe, marveling at the wonders of science. Their eyes lit up with curiosity as they stepped onto the campus of Shenzhen University, where dreams quietly took root. Surrounded by books at Futian Book City, they immersed themselves in stories and ideas, discovering the joy of reading.

At the McDonald's Museum, the children stepped into a whimsical kitchen to unravel the “golden ratio” of the perfect burger—hidden in the chorus of birthday songs was the sweetest secret of the summer. Wandering down the cobbled paths of Chung Ying Street, they traced the lines where history meets the present. Here, modern storefronts stand beside centuries-old relics, gently sparking a sense of what it means to live between “borders” and “belonging.”

At Dapeng Customs, complex concepts came to life as vivid memories, etched deeply into young minds. At BGI Genomics, students from Dahaicun Hope Primary School and YANTIAN employees' children joining the YANTIAN summer camp, tiptoed to peer into sophisticated instruments—quietly planting the seeds of scientific wonder.

Who knew the sea had so many faces?

When mountain breezes meet coastal waves, the children felt the warmth of the ocean at their fingertips. At the bustling terminal of YANTIAN, they witnessed its scale and strength, and understood what it means to be a world-class shipping hub.

They wandered along the seaside promenade of Yantian District, sea wind dancing through their hair. From the top of the Bay Area Glory Ferris Wheel, the city skyline stretched before them. At Dameisha Park, laughter rang out over the crashing waves, echoing in seashells like whispers of joy. The sea breeze lifted the hems of their pants—and gently unfurled their imaginations toward the vast world beyond.

Friendship across mountains and seas

When the children from the Hope Primary School met YANTIAN employees' children joining the YANTIAN summer camp, a heartwarming journey of connection began—one that crossed not only mountain and sea, but also hearts.

Lawrence Shum, Managing Director of Hutchison Ports YANTIAN, warmly welcomed the young guests from afar, encouraging them to dream boldly and grow joyfully. The principal and a student representative from Dahaicun Hope Primary School also took the stage, offering heartfelt thanks for YANTIAN's unwavering dedication over the past two decades. They extended a sincere invitation to visit Yunnan—hoping their next reunion would be in the mountains they call home.

As the ethnic dance lifted vibrant sleeves fluttering in the air, the children joined hands to form a "circle of unity". They exchanged gifts with shy smiles and laughed unrestrainedly during games—these moments have blossomed into treasured memories of YANTIAN, far more precious than any keepsake.

22 years of light planted by YANTIAN

👆Swipe to view the study journals of the children from Dahaicun Hope Primary School

In their tender handwriting are pages kissed by sea breeze—filled with joy, curiosity awakened by new knowledge, and a quiet hope: to transform all they've seen and learned into their own strength—and one day, to pass it forward.

From building Dahaicun Hope Primary School to hosting these learning tours, YANTIAN's 22 years of commitment have become stars in the eyes of children—each one a seed growing bravely toward the light. Some will break through and grow into towering trees; others will blossom into hillsides of flowers that light the path for those who follow. Mountains and seas may divide—but love always finds a way.