Attendees pose for a group photo, with elementary students showcasing their stamp artworks, at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

Over 50 representatives from Beijing elementary schools attended the "Future Classroom: A Journey into the World of Stamps" event on Oct. 12 at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum. The event, which was divided into an exhibition tour and lecture, aimed to introduce students to the achievements of New China and inspire patriotism through stamps.

Senior craft artist Dong Qi speaks at the Future Classroom event held at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

Students were given a tour of the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum's basic exhibition and its special exhibit "Remain True to Our Founding Mission, Forge Ahead on a New Journey." Afterward, senior craft artist Dong Qi, who is also a stamp designer and engraver, gave a talk on the history, essential elements and significance of stamps in the digital age.

Students design stamp artworks at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

Dong also facilitated a "Young Stamp Designer" session, where she interacted with the students and encouraged them to design stamps along the themes of Beijing's Central Axis, China's space exploration and the Chinese zodiac. Finally, under Dong's guidance, the youngsters participated in a "True Feelings Mail" activity, writing letters to send home.

A student poses as she posts a postcard into a mailbox at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

The event was hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) and the All-China Philatelic Federation. It featured speeches from several guests, including Shen Beili, secretary of the CSCLF Party Leadership Group; Gao Hongtao, vice president of the All-China Philatelic Federation; and Zhao Aiguo, director of the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, who emphasized the importance of stamps as a national calling card.

Zhao Aiguo, director of the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, speaks at the Future Classroom event held at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation].

Zhao noted that stamps are imbued with deep historical and cultural significance, serving as a bridge between the past and future, and as a crucial medium for conveying the national image.

Gao Hongtao, vice president of the All-China Philatelic Federation, speaks at the Future Classroom event held at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

Gao discussed the positive impact of philatelic activities on young people from the perspective of their development, highlighting how collecting stamps can cultivate aesthetic appreciation, broaden knowledge horizons and enhance cultural confidence.

Shen Beili, secretary of the Party Leadership Group of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, speaks at the Future Classroom event held at the China National Post and Postage Stamp Museum, Beijing, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation]

Shen further introduced the objective of the Future Classroom, which is to nurture the patriotic spirit of the new generation through diverse educational forms.

The Future Classroom extracurricular education platform was established by the CSCLF to fulfill the fundamental mission of fostering virtue and talent for the Party and the nation. It aims to cultivate a new generation of individuals who are well-rounded in moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic and labor education.