Exploring Chinese Culture in Shanghai and Beijing

Over the first week of Long Leave a group of Leighton Park travellers ventured to China for an incredible cultural and linguistic experience.

In Shanghai they visited iconic Pearl Tower TV Centre with its breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline; the Shanghai Museum which transported the visitors back to the 1800s and 1900s; the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, where they marvelled at the impressive scale model of the city; the centuries-old Yu Yuan Gardens, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design; and took a magical night cruise along the Huangpu River.

Leaving Shanghai by the high-speed train, the group had an equally fabulous time in Beijing. Here they visited the breathtaking Forbidden City with its awe-inspiring palace; enjoyed Tai Chi in the palace gardens; spent time reflecting in Tiananmen Square; explored the markets; loved seeing the pandas at the zoo and were mesmerised by the Peking Opera.

The group visited two schools during their trip, providing an excellent chance to try their Mandarin skills with young Chinese people. At the Jinjang School of Performing Arts in Shanghai and the Beijing Experimental Middle School our group experienced traditional Chinese drumming workshops, painting and calligraphy, darts, snooker and drama plus plenty of opportunities to make new friends and speak Mandarin.

Food is always a highlight of travelling and this trip did not disappoint. There were numerous tea tastings and the chance to try new delicacies, some of the favourites included Peking Duck, white rabbit icecream, dumplings, a traditional lunch from the Xinjiang region in the west of China, and a traditional hot pot communal meal.

The trip concluded with an unforgettable adventure, climbing a section of the Great Wall of China in all its historic grandeur, winding through golden autumn hues that painted the mountainsides.

If you’d like to see more photos from the China trip, check out our online gallery.