Secretary for Education Michael Suen has led 250 members of a national education delegation to visit Zhengzhou, Henan.

It is one of the six ancient Chinese cities being visited by 2,500 teachers and students under the National Education Exchange Programme. The other locations are Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xian.

Received by Henan provincial leaders today, Mr Suen said the programme allows teachers and students to trace the roots of Chinese civilization.

"The visit opens a window for our students to explore the history and development of Zhengzhou, helping them understand more about the history and culture of our motherland. By broadening participants' knowledge of the current situation and the opportunities and challenges ahead, the programme also helps cultivate their sense of belonging to the country," Mr Suen said.

After completing the Beijing itinerary yesterday, the delegates took the express rail link to Zhengzhou and visited Henan Museum to see the province's rich history. They saw the Yellow River's vast role in Chinese culture, and toured the Mainland's biggest frozen food production enterprise to see how it has contributed to the province's development.

They also met with teachers and students of local institutes, and will visit relics from the reign of Emperor Xuan Yuan tomorrow.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, delegates will share what they have learned with colleagues.