Kids get a sporting chance

Studying abroad gains popularity

Kung fu summer camp at Shaolin Temple

Many of his sons' schoolmates attend similar expensive summer camps, Han says, adding both boys attend high-end private schools, and he has decided to enroll them in middle schools in the United States when they are older.

"I have sent them to overseas study camps and tourism summer camps. Now I want them to enjoy sports," Han says, who is also a golf lover.

Golf is a good sport to exercise the whole body. But most importantly, Han considers the golf camp an extraordinary opportunity for the boys to make friends with others.

"I want them to have their own 'friend circle' and get used to developing connections," Han says.

"They will sooner or later know the importance of connections and friends, and I want them to start early."

Cai Jing, an executive in charge of summer golf camps at Mission Hills, a high-end golf and leisure resort in Guangdong province, says wealthy middle class Chinese families are increasingly interested in exposing their children to high-end sports, including golf.

The resort group has been organizing golf camps since last year, and it seems their supply always falls short of demand.

Every camp is fully booked shortly after it starts recruiting. Campers' parents are mostly middle to senior company executives. Some families own their own businesses.

Most of those children go to private schools. Unlike public schools that are mainly focused on academic studies, private schools attach greater importance to sport and other activities, Cai notes.

Shi Canbin, owner of Yijian Sports, thinks his camp is not expensive even though the 28-day camp costs about 8,000 yuan.

"Nothing is more important than health and happiness," Shi says.