To fulfill its mission of ‘promoting the Camino, serving pilgrims, and fostering intercultural exchange between China and Spain’, the Chinese association of Camino friends carries out the following services through the joint efforts of volunteers:
1.Information
We provide practical information about the Camino, such as Chinese pilgrim statistics, route guides, visa, transportation, accommodation, packing, and Jacobean traditions. Information is shared through multiple platforms including website, WeChat official account, WeChat groups, video channels, Rednote, online and offline sessions. The most updated information often come from ‘senior pilgrims’ in WeChat groups and those who are on the Camino at the moment sharing real-time experiences.
Contact us：https://caminochina.com/contact-us/
Pilgrim Statistics：
Activity Notice：https://caminochina.com/zh/category/zuixindongtai/huodongtongzhi/
International News：https://caminochina.com/zh/category/zuixindongtai/guijizixun/
2.Pilgrim credentials
Another core service is issuing pilgrim credentials, commonly known as “pilgrim passports.” Our ssociation also offers exclusive souvenirs like scallop shells, badges, and T-shirts. For details please click:
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3.Volunteering
The Association recruits, trains, and sends volunteers annually for both internal and external services. Internal services include managing information platforms and organizing offline Jacobrean events. External volunteering include serving at the Pilgrim Office and pilgrim albergues as hospitaleros.
For more information please click the following link:
Volunteer Service：https://caminochina.com/zh/category/zhiyuanfuwu/
4.Fellowship and cultural event
The Association independently or collaboratively organizes offline gatherings for Camino friends, providing a space for new and returning pilgrims to connect, exchange insights, and reignite their Camino passion. When feasible, cultural events like lectures and art exhibitions are held to showcase Chinese pilgrims’ enthusiasm, inspiration and talents.
History of Core Activities：https://caminochina.com/zh/category/guanyuwomen/dashiji/
5.Intercultural excursion
Following the teachings of Chinese proverbs, “To see once exceeds a hundred hearings”, “Read ten thousand books, walk ten thousand miles”, the Association make effots to organize annually two-way intercultural excursions, including accompanying Chinese pilgrims to do the Camino in Spain and accompanying Spanish-speakers to experience China’s hostorical heritage, local culture, engaging in exchange with local individuals and institutions, enhancing mutual understanding, promoting peace and developing friendship.
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6.Research and publication
Over the past years, the Association has collaborated with Spanish scholars to conduct academic research and publications on topics such as Chinese pilgrims’ experiences on the Camino de Santiago and China’s cultural route heritage. These efforts have made unique contributions to the scientific knowledge accumulation of phenomena such as the Camino de Santiago, cultural route heritage, heritage tourism, and intercultural exchange. The Association will continue to invest in related research in the future and welcome scholars from home and abroad who are interested in Camino-related topics to join the research. Those who wish to join can contact us via email.
In addition, the Association published a book in 2023, which interprets the Camino de Santiago through the wisdom of Chinese classics on “roads,” “walking,” and “travel,” as well as uses Spanish proverbs to explain China’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Bilingual in Chinese and Spanish, the book is accompanied by numerous wonderful photos taken by Chinese pilgrims, showcasing the charm of the Camino through the eyes of Chinese pilgrims.
The Association has also edited and printed a collection of Chinese pilgrim stories, featuring 120 stories shared by 60 Chinese pilgrims. From different perspectives such as why they embarked on the Camino, intercultural experiences, their companions, inner reflections, and the value of the Camino, the stories present the authors’ personal experiences and reflections.