Last year, The Beijing Center (TBC) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner that was not just about marking a milestone but about embodying the Jesuit tradition of service and community impact. As the only Jesuit organization of higher education in Mainland China, TBC has always prioritized creating opportunities for real cultural exchange and fostering a spirit of service.
TBC’s commitment to serving others extends far beyond its anniversary celebrations. Throughout the year, our students actively participate in volunteer opportunities such as teaching English, leading arts and crafts, painting classrooms, and engaging in playful activities with children. These experiences not only enrich their understanding of our local culture but also deepen their sense of compassion and service. This tradition of giving back was at the heart of our anniversary dinner, as we sought to make a tangible difference in the lives of others through collective generosity, we leaned on the power of unity and the potential to make a difference, and we turned this festive evening into a force for good to raise funds to support two exceptional organizations: Casa Ricci and Bethel.
The funds raised were directed to two organizations that share a common goal of transforming lives and providing hope to those in need. Casa Ricci is known for its dedication to supporting marginalized communities and focuses on empowering individuals through education, healthcare, and social initiatives. While Bethel, with its mission to care for children with visual impairments, creates opportunities for growth and independence. Both organizations have taken the time to express their gratitude through heartfelt Thank-you letters, which serve as a testament to the impact of our collective efforts. These letters remind us that even small actions, when multiplied by many, can create profound change.
To everyone who attended the 25th-anniversary dinner, participated in the fundraising initiative, or contributed in spirit, thank you! Your generosity exemplifies the values we hold dear: service, compassion, and community. As we look forward to future milestones, let this experience inspire us to continue our service to better our community.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time!
Beijing’s Temple of Heaven may be one of, if not, the most iconic tourist sites in Beijing. Constructed starting back in 1406, around the same time as the Forbidden City and the other respective temples of the Sun, Earth and Moon.
Another one of the more irreplaceable experiences we have in China as students is the amount of cultural exchange we get to participate in. While The Beijing Center organizes plenty of culture-based events, from tourist activities to arts workshops, there’s something about engaging with other people our own age in cultural exchange that’s really special.
Over this past weekend, some of our students enrolled at Minzu University of China took their annual Spring Outing – this year, to Gubei Water Town. Situated about a 2-hour drive northeast of Beijing, the April weather made it absolutely perfect to explore for a spring outing. It surrounds various canals and offshoots of Yuanyang lake.
If you ever want to get a taste of Old Beijing, by far one of the best ways is to visit the hutongs. They’ve conceptually been around all the way since the 1200s, and in their most modern forms exist as protected alleyways and streets surrounded by old traditional houses and neighborhoods in the heart of Beijing and are recognized in China to be an important part of cultural heritage in the city.