After much anticipation and excitement, the language department arrived safely in Beijing, on Saturday 19th October following a 10-hour, long haul flight. Wasting no time to immerse themselves in the sights and culture, the next day they ascended the Great Wall and were treated to its spectacular views, visited the Imperial Palace and explored Tian An Men Square.
Everyone was pleased to discover the next morning that the hotel offered a choice of western or Chinese breakfast. However, students were still keen to make the most of the traditional food on offer, with a lunch of Chinese dumpling and fried noodle dinner, with fruits to end.
An excursion to China would not be complete without a stopover over at our sister school, Beijing Haidian Middle School; a home away from home. Warmly welcomed with an impressive musical performance, staff and students practised their Mandarin skills in conversation and over a singing session. Beijing’s Panda Zoo later provided some light relief, before another generous welcome at the British Embassy. To end the fantastic day everyone was treated to a Chinese performance of acrobatics at the theatre.
The next day, after safely arriving in Xi’an on the fast train from Beijing, the language department explored their new territory, learning about ancient dynasties at the Xi’an History Museum and Chinese history at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Xi’an also presented the opportunity to glimpse the world famous ‘Terra Cotta Warriors’ and even take part in a hands-on workshop. Once mastering the art of terracotta warrior making, a trip to Xia’n City Wall, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Chinese city walls, offered a deeper insight into the ancient capital of China.
On Day 6 the group travelled to the modern and beautiful city of Shanghai. What better way to see fantastic views of the skyline, than from the Oriental Tower? The group continued to take in Shanghai’s past at Shanghai History Museum and Old Shanghai Town, it’s stunning fauna in the beautiful Yu Garden and its scenes from the water with an amazing River Cruise in the Huang Pu district.
To end an unforgettable trip, the language department swapped their linguistic skills for spinning skills, visiting the Shanghai Silk Factory to learn how to make pure silk. From silk to shopping, they then headed to Nanjing Road and explored its contemporary shopping centre.
Beginning a long journey from Shanghai to London Heathrow Airport, the group reminisced on their past week’s adventures. The students were all extremely well behaved and took away a wealth of unique memories, Chinese culture, language and tradition.
Take the next step by selecting an option below, or if you want to drop us a quick message, you can do so with the form.
Δ