Exchange Programme with The Affiliated High School of Peking University (7-11 April 2025)
The Beijing exchange tour was a perfect opportunity for us Hong Kong teenagers to have a better understanding of our country’s recent development. From engaging lessons in Peking University Affiliated High School to spectacular visits to monumental landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China and more, we had a relaxing but fruitful time.
It still seems like yesterday that we had to wake up at six in the morning, just to get changed and rush downstairs for an early but warm morning meal, then immediately head to the classrooms with our buddies to have lessons. Here are some unforgettable memories that were unique to this exchange programme, and most importantly, unique to the city, Beijing.
Both the buddies and teachers expressed their warmest welcome at our arrival. We experienced a different teaching and learning experience at Peking University Affiliated High School, which broadened our horizons. Attending for the first time Physics and Chemistry lessons in Chinese, we struggled with brand-new terminology. However, the teachers guided us through the questions, and simplified complicated concepts into theories that we could easily understand.
The 3-storey gymnasium was amazing. Table tennis, badminton, basketball and many other sports are offered for students to enjoy in their free time. Within the building, we also enjoyed traditional Chinese dance lessons. Most importantly, we were lucky enough to attend the closing ceremony of the Football Championships in the gymnasium along with our host students, witnessing one of the four sporting highlights.
The morning mist still clung to the ancient stones of the Great Wall when our group reached the Juyongguan Pass section. As we ran our fingers along the weathered bricks, feeling the same grooves that countless hands had touched over six centuries, it hit us that this was not just a tourist attraction – it was the physical embodiment of Chinese resilience. Our history teacher's words echoed in our minds: “The Wall wasn’t built to divide, but to protect our civilization.” Suddenly, textbook descriptions transformed into tangible reality beneath our feet.
Wangfujing's neon lights initially overwhelmed our senses, but observing the seamless blend of traditional tea houses with global brands revealed China's cultural confidence. An elderly calligrapher demonstrating his art outside a Starbucks captured this duality perfectly – his elegant oriental brushstrokes juxtaposed with the exotic coffee aroma. Nearby, the sound of sizzling scorpion skewers at the night market reminded us how culinary traditions have persisted even amidst modernization.
The Forbidden City's scale overwhelmed us, but it was the intricate details that spoke volumes – the number of animal statues on roof corners indicating a building’s importance, the hidden drainage systems demonstrating ancient engineering brilliance. Our guide explained how the palace's layout reflected Confucian principles of order and harmony, helping us understand how traditional values shaped even our architecture.
This exchange did more than show us historical sites - it taught us that cultural heritage is not frozen in textbooks but lives in how we preserve traditions while embracing progress. From students studying in university classrooms to artisans practicing centuries-old crafts, we saw how Chinese civilization continues to evolve while staying rooted in history. The trip has inspired us to look beyond dates in History textbooks and see our heritage as a living, breathing legacy that we all help shape.
One of the most memorable aspects of the programme was immersing ourselves in the interactive learning of traditional Chinese arts, particularly calligraphy and guqin. During the calligraphy workshop, we did not just observe—we actively practiced under the guidance of a calligrapher. The teacher encouraged us to experiment with brushstrokes, explaining how each movement reflects balance and intention. What began as shaky lines transformed into elegant characters as we shared laughter and feedback with classmates. The hands-on approach, paired with the teacher’s stories about historical poets and philosophers, turned ink and paper into a dynamic dialogue between the past and the present.
Participating in the Beijing exchange programme has been an eye-opening journey that deepened our understanding of China’s rich cultural heritage and modern development. Visiting historical landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall allowed us to witness the grandeur of ancient Chinese civilization firsthand. Walking through these sites, we felt a profound connection to the stories of emperors, artisans, and ordinary people who shaped China’s history. The juxtaposition of these timeless structures against Beijing’s bustling cityscape highlighted the delicate balance between tradition and innovation in contemporary Chinese society.
On a personal level, this trip taught us resilience and adaptability. Navigating new environments, adjusting to new routines, and embracing unfamiliar customs pushed us out of our comfort zones. Moments like sharing meals with local hosts at the school canteen became cherished memories that embodied the warmth and hospitality of the people we met. This experience reinforced the importance of curiosity and humility when exploring new cultures. We returned home filled with gratitude for the friendships formed, lessons learned, and a renewed commitment to fostering global connections.
Summary of exchange
Day 1
Upon arrival, we set out to explore an enchanting area filled with history and tradition - Beijing Ancient Cultural Street (古文化街). The streets were adorned with glowing lanterns and intricate infrastructure, including traditional watchtower and courtyard-style homes, showcasing the timeless beauty of Beijing’s neighbourhoods. The cobblestone paths were lined with bustling stalls selling a variety of goods, from handmade crafts and calligraphy scrolls to delicate tea sets and vibrant embroidered textiles. The air was filled with a blend of aromas—herbal teas, sizzling skewers, and freshly steamed buns—hinting at the culinary delights Beijing had to offer.
Local delicacies were an essential part of the experience. Vendors offered pear milk custard, a refreshing drink with a subtle sweetness, alongside fermented mung bean juice, a traditional Beijing specialty with an especially distinctive taste. The aroma of sour plum soup, a tangy and cooling beverage perfect for balancing the rich flavours of the street food, permeated through the air. Everywhere we turned, we discovered tempting snacks—from crispy sesame pancakes to savoury lamb skewers grilled over charcoal.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed a feast of authentic local dishes. The star of the meal was the iconic Beijing roast duck, served with its famously crispy skin and tender meat, paired with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. We savoured bowls of rich duck broth brimming with vegetables and soft tofu. Succulent braised beef rounded out the meal, offering a hearty and flavourful complement to the lighter dishes. The variety and depth of the flavours provided an amazing introduction to Beijing's culinary heritage, a perfect start to a perfect journey.
Day 2
We first stopped by the dining hall to enjoy a scrumptious fare of local breakfast delicacies. We then went back down to the courtyard, where we were greeted by our buddy, who guided us around the school.
In the classrooms we participated in some lectures and observed how the capital’s students attended school. The first two lessons were Physics, involving concepts of volume and density. Although the concepts taught were very advanced and difficult for some of us who did not study Physics, we enjoyed challenging ourselves to try to follow a lesson in a subject in a low-stakes environment. We also found that we were able to step out of our comfort zone and learnt Math in Chinese as opposed to English. We had a brief exercise session in between the lessons to relax and enjoy the sun before going back upstairs for a self-study session.
After the lessons, we went back to the dining hall to refuel and chatted with our buddies. The variety of food on offer was mind-blowing, as we could choose from many cuisines – traditional Sichuan poached fish to spaghetti and even stone pot Bibimbap. Our buddies took us on a campus tour. As we ambled around the vast grounds, we were astonished by the extensive facilities and resources available at this school.
We then traveled to Beijing University via the subway, where we embarked on a tour of the campus grounds and were treated to some fascinating stories of the school’s rich history behind the architecture. Some undergraduates there shared with us the challenges they faced and what subjects they were currently pursuing, assuring us that studying at Beijing University is not only academically rewarding, but also very fulfilling socially and personally, if time is managed well.
After dinner, we had the opportunity to spend some free time at a nearby shopping complex. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day packed with activities and our group spent some time together at a karaoke booth too.
Day 3
Early in the morning, we headed to the Forbidden City (故宮), where we soaked in centuries of its history and marveling at its architectural beauty, while our tour guide brought the past to life, weaving vivid tales of emperors, dynasties, and the secrets hidden within the palace walls.
Guided by our knowledgeable tour guide, we wandered through a labyrinth of courtyards, pavilions, and imperial halls, each with its own story. The Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿), the largest and most awe-inspiring structure, stood at the complex’s core. Here, emperors once ascended their dragon throne to issue decrees, oversee grand ceremonies, and receive tributes from across the empire. Our guide explained how its intricate design — featuring mythical creatures adorning the roof ridges and a central ramp carved with imperial dragons reflected the cosmic order and the emperor’s role as the “Son of Heaven”.
For lunch, we savoured authentic local dishes at Great Wall Beijing Local Cuisine Restaurant (長城北京鄉土菜), enjoying hearty flavours that celebrated northern Chinese traditions.
Energized, we ventured to the Juyongguan Pass (居庸關) section of the Great Wall, hiking along its ancient, precipitous paths and taking in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Stepping onto the wall, we were immediately struck by its raw, untamed character. Unlike the meticulously restored sections like Badaling, Juyongguan retains a rugged authenticity. The steep, uneven stone steps and sloping battlements challenged our stamina, but every stop to catch our breath rewarded us with sweeping vistas of emerald valleys and serpentine walls disappearing into mist-shrouded peaks.
After descending, we returned to the city for a lively afternoon of shopping at Wangfujing Street (王府井), exploring its bustling shops and vibrant street stalls for souvenirs. We entered the pedestrian thoroughfare beneath towering billboards and neon lights, greeted by the rhythmic hum of chatter, clinking teacups, and the occasional melody drifting from storefront speakers. Wangfujing’s charm lies in its contrasts: sleek glass-and-steel malls housing global luxury brands stand beside century-old lao zi hao (老字号, time-honoured Chinese shops), their gilded signboards hinting at generations of craftsmanship. To wrap up the day, we gathered for a hot pot dinner, dipping fresh meats, vegetables, and noodles into simmering broths—a perfect end to our third day. Finally, we returned to our dorm, tired but fulfilled, reminiscing about a day packed with history, culture, and shared memories.
Day 4
Our day began with breakfast at the university cafeteria, where we lined up to receive our meals. The dining hall was bustling with students, and the sounds of conversation and clinking tableware filled the air. After eating, we proceeded to the subway station for our morning excursion.
The subway was crowded, as expected during peak hours, but we managed to board efficiently. Upon arriving at our destination, we explored the traditional ‘hutong’ alleys, observing the historic architecture and local life. The narrow lanes, lined with gray brick walls and old courtyard homes, provided a glimpse into Beijing's past.
For lunch, we visited a local restaurant serving traditional Beijing cuisine. Dishes such as ‘zhajiangmian’ (noodle dish with soybean paste) and ‘jiaoquan’ (fried dough rings) were served, along with the distinctive ‘douzhi’ (fermented mung bean beverage). While some of us found the ‘douzhi’ challenging, others appreciated its unique flavour.
We returned to the campus by 1:00 pm. Half of our group attended a calligraphy class in the East Building, where we practiced basic brush techniques under the guidance of the instructor. Meanwhile, the other half participated in a traditional dance session in the gymnasium.
After a short break, we switched activities—those who had practiced calligraphy moved to a street dance workshop, where we collaborated with students from Peking University High School. The exchange was engaging, allowing us to learn new movements while interacting with peers from another institution. Those who had previously taken dance then transitioned to calligraphy, where we worked on fundamental strokes.
A separate group attended a ‘guqin’ (Chinese zither) class in the sunken theater, where the instructor introduced us to the instrument’s history and basic playing techniques. The resonant tones of the ‘guqin’ provided a calming contrast to the day’s earlier activities.
Dinner was served back at the university cafeteria, where we reflected on the day’s experiences over a shared meal. The workshops had offered us valuable insights into traditional Chinese arts, and the cultural immersion deepened our appreciation for Beijing’s heritage.
By the end of the day, we had not only expanded our skills but also strengthened our understanding of Chinese culture through direct participation. The packed yet fulfilling schedule ensured that we gained both knowledge and memorable experiences.
Day 5
On the last day of the trip, we explored the fascinating Beijing Capital Museum. Exhibits showcased themes such as folk traditions, festivals, and customs, as well as insights into China’s international relations and architectural innovations like the concept of the central axis. Seasonal displays were particularly captivating: summer exhibits highlighted the creativity behind fan designs, while winter sections featured traditional methods of staying warm, including heated brick beds and hand warmers. Another exhibition focused on porcelain, showcasing exquisite pieces that reflected the artistry and craftsmanship of different dynasties, from delicate designs to intricate glazing techniques. All in all, the entire journey through Beijing's history and traditions left a lasting impression, blending culinary delights throughout the trip with cultural treasures.
After that, it was time to bid farewell to Beijing. However, we were notified that our plane was delayed by several hours after we checked in. Although some of us were understandably disappointed, it gave us more time to spend at the airport and we indulged in some mouth-watering spaghetti and explored more of the airport together before boarding the flight.
Exchange Programme with Hangzhou Foreign Languages School (7-11 April 2025)
7th April was a highly anticipated day for all of us. After almost 2 school terms, 30 S4 girls accompanied by teachers Mrs. V Ma, Mrs. J Hau and Mr. C Lam eagerly set off to Hangzhou for a 5-day exchange tour to one of our sister schools, Hangzhou Foreign Languages School (HFLS).
Arriving early in the afternoon, we got a glimpse of the beautiful city by exploring one of its scenic towns – Wuzhen. We walked throughout the seemingly quaint town during the day, exploring the nooks and crannies of each narrow street surrounded by ancient dwellings, even visiting a small museum displaying old artworks of clay carvings. At night, the town was bustling with tourists and numerous shops opened their doors for business, selling interesting trinkets or cultural snacks. It was an eye-opening experience and we were all fully immersed in the atmosphere, as we took countless scenic pictures during the boat ride at night, capturing every wonder presented to us. The lake reflected bursts of orange and green, illuminated by the glowing houses on stilts on each side of the channel shaded by willow trees. A swarm of goldfish was found in one of the ponds next to a restaurant as tourists gleefully looked upon their dazzling scales.
We arrived at Hangzhou Foreign Languages School at 6 pm on the second day and were greeted by a buffet at the cafeteria. Before officially attending lessons at the school, we had an initial meet-up with our buddies in the evening and chatted briefly regarding the lesson arrangements for the next day. We were greeted enthusiastically by the students, learning more about the classes available during the chat, and even received a bag of thoughtful gifts. We then returned to our dormitory and had a restful night of sleep, eager for the next day’s activities.
In the early morning, we rose to the sound of birds chirping and sunlight shining in from the large window in our dormitory rooms. We had a delicious meal at the school’s cafeteria which has 3 floors, and were then escorted by one of the students for a tour around the campus. The campus was huge compared to regular schools in Hong Kong, filled with grand buildings, gorgeous greenery and plenty of open space – something that is hard to come by at home. We learned about some famous alumni from the school, such as TEMU’s founder, Colin Huang, and attended a meeting with our headmistress Mrs. Lau and the principal of Hangzhou Foreign Languages School.
Before lessons, we participated in the whole-school exercise session in the playground with our buddies, which takes place every day. After the invigorating exercise, we followed our buddies to the respective classrooms. Our first lesson was English and it was surprisingly engaging. Initially, we thought the students might be disinterested, since English was not their first language, but students were extremely responsive in terms of answering questions and actively contributing to the discussions. We were thoroughly impressed by their enthusiasm, which seemed endless when it comes to students at HFLS. In the second lesson – math, the teacher happened to be teaching geometry, something we went over last year, and yet the questions that she went over in class were still considerably challenging and we took notes alongside our buddies.
Later in the day, we had lunch together in the cafeteria and attended calligraphy class. The teacher was extremely skilled and demonstrated his calligraphy on a piece of paper placed directly on the blackboard. We were given ink in a small dish and a brush and completed the words “春風化雨無聲” under his verbal guidance. Regardless of the final result, we all felt accomplished and had a sense of connection with Chinese culture after completing our work. We then proceeded to PE class where we participated in table tennis. The teacher paired us with the HFLS students so we could interact with each other. Despite the initial awkwardness, we quickly warmed up to each other and their students were eager to give us advice as we played.
In the evening, we had an exchange event in which students from both schools went on stage to perform in groups. The charming acts and mutual engagement slowly melted away the unfamiliarity between us and broke the ice. In the end, we even took part in a game of “Telephone” that prompted much laughter from the audience.
On the fourth day, we joined our buddies for dumpling-making in the cafeteria. It was a hectic but joyous event – several trays of dumpling skin were laid out on combined cafeteria tables with bowls of meat filling scattered across the surface. It was entertaining witnessing the production of differently shaped dumplings – some elegant, some lumpy, all edible. Later that night, we watched a musical that took place within the school. It was an enjoyable performance about national pride and the live singing was great.
One of the highlights of the study tour was the trip to West Lake on the last day. In the morning, we boarded the train and arrived at Huanglong Cave station, ready to go up the mountain next to West Lake. When we arrived, we were stunned by the grandeur and height of the mountains- towering trees and bamboo shoots filled our vision and we gazed upwards to breathe in the woody scent. Although we had to hike up the treacherous rocky steps, it was a fortunately short hike as we only had to go up to the first peak. The view was absolutely breathtaking, including a wide shot of the West Lake and the downward slopes of the mountain we were on. Afterward, we traveled back down to the bottom of the mountain and strolled along the West Lake. From a distance, the colors of the pale blue sky and the lake mixed into a smooth gradient with only the bridge separating them. It painted a serene picture of peace and balance. We even came across ducks gliding across the lake as we continued the leisurely stroll.
Sadly, the 5-day trip ended much quicker than we expected. We exchanged gifts with our buddies to thank them for their warm hospitality and took pictures to commemorate the friendships we made. We had a bittersweet goodbye and eventually left Hangzhou, while promising to stay in contact with our buddies.
We would like to thank our teachers, Mrs. Ma, Mrs. Hau, and Mr. Lam, who have ensured the smooth running of our entire journey and have guided us throughout the whole trip. We would also like to thank the staff at HFLS for planning and arranging activities for the trip, our tour guide, as well as the two students at HFLS who guided us throughout the school and West Lake tour. Most importantly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mrs. Lau for providing us with this eye-opening experience with the students in our sister schools on the Mainland and the valuable opportunity to learn so much beyond the classroom.
Exchange Programme with the High School Affiliated to Fudan University (7-11 April 2025)
In the early morning of 7th April, twenty of us Secondary 4 students arrived at Hong Kong International Airport. Though bleary-eyed, we couldn’t wait to embark on our journey in Shanghai, where we would participate in an exchange programme with students from our sister school, the High School Affiliated to Fudan University (FDFZ).
Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, we were swiftly transported to our sister school. As we stepped foot onto their campus, we were greeted by a vast and beautiful scenery with much green foliage surrounding their buildings, which left many of us wide-eyed. We were then warmly welcomed by the teachers of FDFZ, who showed us the way into our well-equipped and comfortable dormitories.
After a brief rest in our rooms, we had the opportunity to engage in some hands-on scientific and technological activities at school, namely a scented candle-making workshop and a foldscope-making workshop. We could customise our candles by choosing the colour, scent and candle jar according to our preferences, which made the whole experience much more personalised. Through combining different waxes, melting the wax mixture, adding our preferred fragrances and finally waiting for the candle to set, we experienced just how long it actually takes to make a candle, as well as the importance of patience. In the second workshop, we were given stencils of the foldscope along with very clear instructions on how to make the microscope. It was quite a challenging process, but the teacher still very patiently walked us through each step whenever we encountered difficulties. At the end of the two workshops, we were allowed to take both of our handiworks with us as souvenirs to reminisce this fruitful experience again in the future.
On the second day, we were given the opportunity to take part in another workshop at FDFZ, where we were introduced to the history of Chinese fans and how they evolved from the feather fan into the Tuanshan, and finally into the folding fan. We were then taught how to write Chinese calligraphy on folding fans; after watching the teacher’s demonstration and trying it out ourselves, we were surprised by how much harder it was compared to what we had envisioned, and that writing calligraphy requires a lot of patience, skill, as well as practice, which made us appreciate the various works of Chinese calligraphers shown to us by the teacher all the more. After pages of attempts supported by the teacher’s guidance, we finally managed to leave with fans on our hands, inscribed with our lettering (of mostly “海納百川“), as well as that of the teacher’s, who kindly and skilfully calligraphed our names on every one of our fans.
On the third day, we had the privilege to join our student buddies for a full day of school at FDFZ. We attended lessons of subjects similar to those in our Secondary 4 curriculum, such as English, Chinese and Mathematics, along with elective subjects that are rather new to most of us, such as foreign languages, computer programming and art, all of which were very interesting and rich in content. What amazed me the most was the fact that the students from FDFZ start their school day at around 7:20 a.m. with a self-study session and attend classes all the way until 4:45 p.m., with the addition of another self-study session that ends at 9 p.m.; however, in each and every lesson throughout the day, it was obvious that the students were all focused and engaged despite their seemingly endless classes, which was what made us respect and admire them. Our student buddies welcomed us into their school with warm hospitality and we learnt more about them as the day went on; some of us even exchanged social media contacts with them, leaving us with many lasting friendships at the end of the day.
Throughout our trip, we also visited various cultural sites such as the City God Temple of Shanghai in Yu Garden, Guangfulin Neighbourhood and Zhujiajiao as well as commercial spots such as Nanjing Road, the Bund and Xintiandi, all of which are iconic attractions of Shanghai. The tour guide educated us on the brief history of each location, and we were then given time to explore the area on our own. One of the most memorable moments for me was when we walked through the historical buildings on the Bund while facing Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. We were struck by how Shanghai seamlessly combines history and modernity, with Western-style banks and hotels built in the late 19th to 20th century on one end, and towering skyscrapers representing the city’s financial and trading center on the other; this intersection between the past and the present allowed us to visualise Shanghai’s rapid urban development. This journey has deepened our understanding of Shanghai as a dynamic metropolis, where every corner holds a piece of its captivating narrative.
In conclusion, this exchange programme in Shanghai has been an enriching and unforgettable experience that has broadened our horizons both academically and culturally. From engaging in hands-on workshops and attending classes at FDFZ to exploring the city’s historic and modern landmarks, every moment was filled with learning, inspiration, and connection. We have gained valuable insights into the dedication and discipline of FDFZ students, developed a greater appreciation for Chinese traditions, and witnessed the unique fusion of history and innovation that defines Shanghai. The lasting friendships and memories created during this journey will remain with us for a lifetime, reminding us of the importance of cultural exchange in establishing new connections as well as broadening our horizons.
Exchange Programme with Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School (7-11 April 2025)
In early April, our school conducted an exchange program with Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School, offering sixteen Secondary 4 students an invaluable opportunity to travel to Shanghai, which is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in China.
Despite an early start on April 7th, all of us were filled with immense anticipation and eagerness as we prepared to embark on this exciting journey. Once we reached our destination, we were greeted with the warmest welcome. We were all astonished by the stunning campus, mind-blown by the architectural design of the school buildings.
As we strolled through the vibrant grounds, the sun illuminated some of the most intricate details of each structure. For one, the hall was adorned with vibrant rainbow-colored windows, which added a whimsical touch and filled the interior with a kaleidoscope of light. The campus showcased the distinctive elements of American Gothic Revival architecture, with pointed arches, steep roofs and decorative stonework. The lush greenery surrounding us further enhanced the beauty of the environment.
The school tour left us with extreme excitement to attend lessons and immerse ourselves in this campus the following day. After being introduced to our student buddies from Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School, we joined their classes to experience a different education approach. The teachers were very welcoming, and engaged us with questions.
Our day included an ice-breaking session with our buddies, where the highlight was a trivia quiz that tested our cultural and historical knowledge of Hong Kong and Shanghai. The room buzzed with excitement and laughter as we shouted our answers to the questions!
The third day of our exchange trip was undoubtedly the most memorable and unforgettable as we toured some of the most iconic landmarks of Shanghai. We began by first visiting Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town known for its picturesque canals and charming architecture. We were captivated by the ancient wooden bridges and quaint shops lining the waterways, and we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere as we wandered through the narrow streets.
Next, we headed to Shanghai’s modern skyline, The Bund, a stunning waterfront area reminiscent of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. Standing on the promenade, we marveled at the breathtaking view of skyscrapers and the historic buildings that line the Huangpu River. We were also very fortunate to have visited The Bund both during the day and at night. As night fell, the buildings lit up spectacularly, with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower standing tall among this panoramic night view.
After a day of exploring the city, we followed along our buddies and joined more of their classes the next day. By Thursday, we felt more familiar with the environment, having broken down the initial shyness we experienced. This comfort made the lessons and interactions with our buddies even better.
The bonds we created with our buddies allowed us to chat and share our experiences on a seemingly endless array of topics. As we shared the differences between our school traditions at DGS, it was fascinating to learn how similar yet different our experiences were. As we bonded over our favorite music, movies, artists and hobbies, it became clear that these connections were more than just casual friendships.
In between classes, we were even invited to participate in physical exercise! As upbeat music filled the campus, we ran laps following along the whole school. We really appreciated how intense physical exercise is incorporated into the everyday lives of students at Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School. The day concluded with a lesson on Shanghai’s history, allowing us to understand the development of this global metropolis.
On the final day before our flight back, we visited the Shanghai Film Museum, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history of a century-old Shanghai cinema. We experienced vibrant interpretations from filmmakers and explored the stories behind various films and significant events throughout the century.
As our remarkable trip concluded, it was bittersweet to bid farewell to this incredible experience; however, we are certain that the amazing memories created, the lifelong friendships forged and the memorable lessons learnt will be lasting.
Although the program was brief, these five days were far more than just an exchange trip. Not only were we able to learn more about the education and learning style in Mainland China, each day brought new experiences. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting authentic cuisine, we were able to immerse ourselves in a city with a long history and a rich tapestry of culture.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the teachers and students from Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality. We would also like to thank our teacher chaperones for taking care of us. Most importantly, thanks must be given to Mrs. Lau for her unwavering guidance and support in allowing us to learn beyond the classroom.
Exchange Programme with Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School (7 April - 11 April 2025)
30 students and teachers from Diocesan Girls’ School boarded a plane to Shanghai, feeling much excitement for the five-day journey to commence. After landing, we arrived at the esteemed institution that we had longed to see — the Soong Ching Ling School. The campus, adorned with lush greenery and astonishing architecture, immediately captivated us and left a lasting impression on us.
Throughout the next three days, we were immersed in a range of diverse lessons in both the national and international sections of the school, engaging in enthusiastic discussions and participating in activities, fostering friendships that transcend both language and culture.
On the second day, we were led to the iconic Bund, where the shimmering skyline of modern Shanghai intertwines with the echoes of the city’s rich heritage and history. The waterfront promenade, which was lined with architectural marvels, provided a breathtaking view.
We also experienced the historical fabric of Shanghai as we visited the Former Residence of Gu Yanwu and the enchanting Qiandeng Ancient Town. There, we were mesmerized by a Suzhou Pingtan performance, where the melodic storytelling transported us to another era in history, leaving an indelible mark in our hearts.
A friendly sports competition between the two schools also took place, which not only fostered camaraderie, but also embodied cooperation and teamwork. As cheers and laughter echoed through the fields, the bonds between students were solidified.
On our final day, we had a glimpse into the history of cinematography through a visit to the Shanghai Film Group Museum, and concluded our journey with a trip to Metro-City mall, enveloping ourselves in the trends of Shanghai fashion and cuisine.