YES Student Participants Return from Summer China Trip!
On July 31, 24 middle and high school students, 4 chaperones, and one Spiral representative set out on a journey to China. Together, they went to join more American high school and college students to take part in a 7-day Summer Cultural Immersion Camp to China where they would explore Beijing and Cangzhou. The summer camp was cosponsored by Cangzhou Normal University and SPIRAL International. This was the first time these two entities have collaborated together. For many of the students and teachers, it was their first time in Asia.
On the first day, everyone received a warm welcome from Cangzhou Normal University staff and their student volunteers. After the long flight to Beijing, bus ride to Cangzhou and checking into the hotel, everyone sat down for a Chinese style dinner in an ocean themed dining room. Cangzhou student volunteers also joined in the meal and interacted with the students. The student volunteers were not only guides, but also peers. They were a major part of the cultural exchange by talking with the American students, answering questions about language, popular culture, and life in China.
In the morning, after the eating hotel’s buffet style Chinese breakfast, students set out for the Cangzhou Normal University campus for a day filled with performances and activities. The first activities were held in the auditorium where students watched a performance that included a children’s gong fu show, Mulan performance, a traditional Mongolian dance, Han Chinese style singing and dancing. Several students from Spiral also gave speeches, played piano songs, and sang “Party in the U.S.A.” Students were also taught some dance moves by the performers.
After lunch, students and teachers were led to the university’s Hongchang Art Museum where a fun filled afternoon of cultural workshops were held. Students did sugar painting, painting, calligraphy, traditional clay structure, and traditional paper cutting. In the evening, the US and Chinese students, teachers, and chaperones all made dinner through the hands-on activity of making dumplings!
The following day, students learned more about Cangzhou’s Canal culture and understand its development between people and nature. The city of Cangzhou lies on a thousand-year-old Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. This ancient canal has the longest mileage and is one of the oldest canals in the world. The canal flows through Cangzhou and many other cities in China, a vast country, each province with a characteristics of its own. After arriving to the Cangzhou Garden Expo, students began with a seminar about the historic, stone lions seen around Cangzhou and the canal culture. Students even got the opportunity to make a miniature clay lion to take home. Afterwards, the students were shown ancient weapons and shields used in battle. They then received lessons in martial arts and archery, and later practiced calligraphy and sang Chinese songs
After lunch, the students set out for the Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall. This four floor museum had colorful displays and exhibits of what life was like on the canal. The museum displays showed how the Grand Canal influenced transportation, logistics, trade, and people. The students marveled at the exhibits and became interested in even more aspects of China, such as Chinese medicine, Beijing opera, and Chinese wedding ceremonies and festivals.
One of the main highlights on the trip was visiting Nanchuan Old Street to eat hot pot, climb the Nanchuan and Langyin Towers, and wander down the Old Streets next to Cangzhou’s historic canal. The traditional architecture dating back to the Ming dynasty was accompanied by the modern bright lights, shops and even carnival rides! The mix of ancient and modern attracts visitors from near and far and keeps the energy and liveliness of the old street alive. The students loved trying snacks, checking out souvenirs and taking pictures with the old architectural buildings.
The next day was full of entertainment at the WuQiao Acrobatics World. Students watched traditional Chinese acrobatics, tricks, and magic shows. Many of the performers came from long lines of generations who performed the same arts for crowds many years ago. In the evening, students went to Cangzhou University to play a Tang Dynasty role playing game where they had to find a missing Jade disc. Role playing games are quite popular amongst Chinese youth these days. The students worked long and hard on the game. It was full of colorful characters and Chinese cultural aspects.
The fourth and fifth day were spent in China’s capital, Beijing. Students toured the Forbidden City and saw the historic, longstanding structures used by the previous Chinese emperors and the court. Everyone then went to Yi He Yuan, an old imperial garden. The students loved being by the water, climbing the old stone bridge lined with small stone lions and touring the little island. The cool breeze by the water was a relief from the hot day. Afterwards, everyone went to have have dinner and a closing ceremony. Students, volunteers and teachers all shared closing speeches, reflections, and slideshows showing photos of summer camp activities.
On the last day, everyone went to a section of the Great Wall in Badaling. Students climbed the many steps of the ancient wall and took in the breathtaking scenery below. The weather outside was humid, but there were enclosed watchtowers where they could cool off indoors, as well as a nice breeze that flowed over the wall. Badaling is one of the most popular and most well preserved sections of the Great Wall. Some areas were steep, but the views of the surrounding mountains and rugged terrain were beautiful. After the Great Wall, it was time to go to the airport to head back home. In just a few days, the students learned, experienced, and created new friendships. It really was an unforgettable journey!
