Three-party collaboration to establish a curriculum framework to cultivate world-class young talents
Tsinghua International School (THIS) officially launched the Y-CRAFT Program on Oct. 14, 2025, with an aim to educate young talents who have an interest in the protection of cultural heritage.
The Y-CRAFT Program is a joint initiative by THIS, the School of Architecture of Tsinghua University and Tsinghua University–Palace Museum Joint Research Center for Cultural Heritage (hereinafter referred to as the Tsinghua–Palace Museum Center). It is dedicated to nurturing young cultural enthusiasts who will become future leaders with strong cultural awareness, a global vision, and innovative capability.
The Y-CRAFT Program represents a pioneering integration of higher education and K–12 education in the field of cultural heritage. The initiators of the program all hope to sow the seeds of traditional Chinese culture in the hearts of young students, cultivating a generation of “junior guardians of cultural heritage” and “storytellers of the Chinese civilization.”
Upholding the value of “Cultural Inheritance, Global Perspective, and Innovative Practice,” the program aims to build a complete cultural heritage education system spanning primary through high school. It will guide students from general exposure and interest toward academic depth and professional engagement, systematically integrating cultural heritage education into the existing curriculum at THIS. The program’s progressive and layered approach is designed to achieve steady and sustainable development in cultural literacy.
At the launch event, Ms. Fang Yan, Principal of Tsinghua University High School and Principal of THIS, remarked that President Xi Jinping emphasized that “only by remembering history can we open up the future; only by being good at inheriting can we be good at innovating” at the International Symposium commemorating the 2,565th anniversary of Confucius’ birth.
Principal Fang highlighted that Tsinghua High School has always valued cultural development, and this new program marks a milestone in the development of the humanities curriculum at THIS. She noted that the launch of the Y-CRAFT Program would also add significant luster to the upcoming 110th anniversary of Tsinghua University High School, which is scheduled on October 18.
Principal Fang stated: “We are preparing our students for a future that remains uncertain, but our mission is to equip them with the capabilities to reach it. Especially in the age of artificial intelligence, Tsinghua High School — including THIS — stands at the forefront of education. We must return to the very essence of what education means.”
Prof. Cheng Xiaoxi, Associate Dean of the School of Architecture at Tsinghua University, said that the collaboration between the School of Architecture and THIS aims “to plant the seeds of cultural identity in young minds, inspiring them to make heritage conservation a conscious act across generations.” She added that the School of Architecture will contribute top-tier academic resources, expert teams, and professional platforms for conservation science and practice to support the program.
Ms. Zhu Meng, Director of the Office of the Tsinghua–Palace Museum Center and Head of the Documentation and Research Section at the Palace Museum’s Department of Ancient Architecture, noted that the Palace Museum has long emphasized youth education and cultural heritage preservation.
“By creating this program,” she said, “we hope to plant the seeds of traditional Chinese culture in the hearts of students, helping them become guardians of cultural heritage and narrators of Chinese stories. Through their unique international perspectives, they will share the charm of Chinese cultural heritage with the world.”
Liu Chang, tenured Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, Director of the Institute of Architectural History and Heritage Conservation, and Executive Deputy Director of the Tsinghua–Palace Museum Center, delivered a keynote speech as the academic lead of the curriculum development team. He expressed his hope that more people will join in heritage preservation and deepen their holistic understanding of human culture. He also emphasized the need for the curriculum to be both profound and practical, enabling students to gain genuine insight and fulfillment through joyful learning.
Ms. Zhu Ying (Renee), Executive Principal of THIS, underscores that students at THIS should be able to navigate the global stage with ease and to possess a deep understanding of China and its rich cultural roots.
"Our students must be able to interpret China — and more importantly, tell Chinese story to the world. This ability, which lies at the very core of our students’ competencies, will drive our continuous innovation, along with the enhancement of our humanities curriculum."
Liu Wei (Weiky), Vice Principal and Head of Secondary of THIS, expressed full confidence in the program. She noted that the Y-CRAFT curriculum would closely integrate with THIS’ comprehensive Chinese language and culture program and, thanks to its inherently interdisciplinary nature, would gradually naturally extend into other subjects, enabling both students and teachers to become active participants in the transmission of civilization.
Jennifer Tong (Tong Zhifei), an 11th-grade student at THIS and a participant in the development of the Digital Exhibition of the Qianlong Garden, shared her personal experience. She reflected that she came to realize technology is not a replacement for traditional methods but a powerful amplifier that allows traditional culture to reach new heights and wider audiences. What began as a casual interest has transformed into a deep personal commitment — from a passive learner of culture to an active participant in its contemporary dissemination.
The Y-CRAFT Program marks a milestone in the development of THIS’ humanities curriculum and serves as a key model for innovative education grounded in Chinese culture yet globally connected. Students participating in this program will become living bridges for cultural exchange, helping Chinese civilization engage with the world in new and vibrant ways.
At the same time, the program also constitutes an integral component of the teaching and social engagement initiatives of both the Tsinghua School of Architecture and the Tsinghua–Palace Museum Center. Through education and talent cultivation, it aims to bring traditional Chinese culture closer to young people and to the world — promoting cultural heritage protection, innovation, and the continuation and revitalization of China’s outstanding traditions.
