Beijing: A Journey of Cultural Exchange, Learning, and Discovery
Our final destination was Beijing, where we stayed at Beijing Language and Culture University, our host institution for the remainder of the trip.
Beijing was filled with activities that deepened our understanding of Chinese culture and history. On our first day, we participated in a range of traditional workshops, including Chinese instrument lessons, plant dyeing, tea etiquette, bracelet-making, and lacquer fan dyeing. These hands-on experiences gave us valuable insight into the artistry and customs that continue to shape Chinese cultural identity today.
A major highlight of our time in Beijing was visiting Beijing No. 4 High School, Burnside High School’s sister school and one of Beijing’s most prestigious secondary schools. After touring the impressive campus facilities, including its swimming pool and sports complex, we attended an opening ceremony where we performed a Chinese fan dance, Sione & Ayshanie sang a Tongan song, and Beijing No4 student representatives and us together sang a Chinese song Long de Chuan Ren (龙的传人).
We then joined local students in a variety of classes, including English, Chinese, music, martial arts, and 3D printing, giving us a first-hand experience of school life in China and the opportunity to connect with students our own age.
Throughout the week, we explored many of China’s most iconic landmarks. These included the Forbidden City, once home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties; the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests; and the Great Wall of China, where we enjoyed breath-taking views and a memorable hike.
We also visited the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), originally built for the 2008 Olympic Games, and the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, which showcased traditional crafts, music, and performing arts from across the country.
In addition to these cultural and historical visits, we spent time at the Beijing Zoo, where we saw one of China’s most beloved national symbols: the giant panda. Seeing pandas up close was an exciting and memorable experience for many students.
Another memorable experience was visiting the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, where we learned more about diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China through an engaging Q&A session.
We were also honoured to visit Rewi Alley’s former Beijing residence at the Youxie Compound, where we explored original furniture, books, personal items, and a timeline documenting the life and contributions of this important New Zealand figure in China.
Our Beijing programme also included a visit to People’s Education Press (PEP), one of China’s major educational publishing houses, where we gained insight into the production of textbooks and educational resources used by students across the country.
In contrast to these historical and educational experiences, our visit to Beijing E-Town Robot World and a leading technology company offered a glimpse into China’s technological future. We saw a wide range of modern intelligent robots in action, showcasing rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. One of the most exciting moments was riding in a fully AI-controlled self-driving car, giving us a first-hand look at emerging transportation technology.
We also attended a university lecture titled China in Cultural Relics, where we explored famous artworks including A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains by Wang Ximeng, painted in 1113 when the artist was only 17 years old.
On our final day, we attended a closing ceremony at the university, where we presented short videos reflecting on our experiences and were awarded certificates to mark the completion of the programme. We then visited the Center for Language Education and Cooperation at the Ministry of Education, where we performed our fan dance one final time and participated in interactive cultural activities.
From the modern skyline of Shanghai to the mountain landscapes of Jiangxi and the historical landmarks of Beijing, every destination offered new perspectives and unforgettable experiences. This trip allowed us not only to deepen our understanding of Chinese history, culture, and education, but also to strengthen connections between New Zealand and China through meaningful exchange.
We are incredibly grateful to all the organisers, host schools, students, and teachers who made this journey possible. Their hospitality and warmth made us feel truly welcomed, and the memories, friendships, and lessons gained from this experience will stay with all 19 of us for years to come.
