From 30th October to 3rd November, a group of 30 fortunate S4 students had the opportunity to participate in the Student Exchange Programme with our esteemed sister school, Hangzhou Foreign Languages School.

On 30th October, upon arrival at the Hangzhou International Airport, we were promptly transported to the Hangzhou Foreign Languages School. The school’s grandeur left us all in awe as we set foot inside its sprawling campus. We were greeted with utmost warmth and hospitality by the school’s teachers and vice principal, who graced us with a brief yet heartfelt welcome speech at a formal meeting. Each of us received a delightful souvenir from the 19th Asian Games – a mascot phone holder. We participated in a guided tour of the school grounds and were deeply fascinated by the captivating campus. We attended a mesmerizing Sizhu music class, where the enchanting melodies of traditional Chinese instruments filled the room. We were then divided into groups and joined the students for their form period, which centred around the theme of China’s vibrant cultures and remarkable advancements. It was during this experience that we had the invaluable opportunity to learn from our classmates’ profound insights, who passionately shared their aspirations and outlined their plans to contribute to society in the future. We were deeply impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and their deep-rooted sense of national pride. The eventful day ended with us getting to know our student buddies and gathering together for a dinner filled with lively chatter, the exchanging of stories and discussions surrounding details about our respective hometowns.

The following day, we attended three lessons alongside our buddies in the morning, and were astounded by how focused and interactive they were in lessons. Although some of us encountered challenges in keeping up with the classes due to language barriers and the level of difficulty, we relished the opportunity to explore diverse and sophisticated topics from a fresh perspective, and with a learning style distinct from the educational format in Hong Kong. We all found the students’ interactive, attentive, and diligent approach to learning particularly inspirational. In between these classes, we were invited to take part in a compulsory morning exercise session, where all students gathered to stretch and dance along to a soundtrack. We recognised the effectiveness of this practice in promoting a balance in physical and mental well-being outside of studies. After some stretching, we returned to our respective classes, feeling revitalised. Heading to the cafeteria for lunch, we treated ourselves to a filling and delicious lunch from an impressively diverse selection of dishes alongside our buddies.

One of the highlights of the day was learning table tennis from professional coaches. They guided us on proper grip techniques, correct posture and various playing strategies. We were even given the chance to use an automated table tennis ball serving machine, and engage in friendly matches with skilled local students. Meaningful bonds were formed with the local students through this shared activity. Last but certainly not least, we were treated to a dumpling making session, where all of us and our buddies had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in making Hangzhou-style dumplings. While the staff kindly steamed our dumplings for us, we marvelled at the breath-taking sunset, taking photos to capture how the sky transformed into an enthralling palette of orange and pink hues. Finally, we indulged in the fruits of our labour, savouring the exceptionally delicious dumplings under the cover of darkness, which was the perfect reward after an exhausting yet fruitful day. In the meantime, some of us gathered to play the game ‘Werewolf’, while others formed small groups and sang along to a medley of Mandarin, English and Cantonese songs. With the dim moonlight above us and a few stars adorning the night sky, we illuminated our surroundings with the flashlights on our phones, transforming the evening into a mini concert. That night has definitely become a cherished memory for both our buddies and us!

The third day of our exchange trip undoubtedly stands out as the most unforgettable, as we embarked on a journey to explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Our first stop began at the awe-inspiring Feilai Peak, which is a prominent limestone peak located within the Lingyin Temple complex. Renowned for its unique rock formations, intricate carvings, and Buddhist statues, the peak offered a captivating glimpse into history. Guided by our knowledgeable tour guide, we delved into the realms of Lingyin Temple, immersing ourselves in its rich cultural heritage. With each and every step, we encountered precious historical artifacts that left us in awe. Climbing the 168-meter-high peak was no easy feat, with rugged paths and steep steps challenging our endurance. Nevertheless, the hike allowed us to connect intimately with nature, providing a small break from our bustling urban lives. To top it off, we were blessed with perfect weather, with cool temperatures and the gentle touch of sunlight.

Our lunch at a restaurant located in the West Lake Scenic Area was also very worth mentioning. The restaurant offered a serene and picturesque setting which was the perfect backdrop for savouring a variety of Hangzhou’s renowned dishes. From the Dongpo Pork to the delectable desserts, every dish tantalized our taste buds and left us longing for more. After our satisfying meal, we finally ventured into the world-renowned West Lake, also known as Xihu. The beauty of West Lake is well-known, but experiencing it first-hand is a totally different experience altogether. The surroundings were lush and green, with expansive stretches of water reflecting the sky, creating the most picturesque landscape. We also hopped on a boat to explore a few other West Lake scenic spots, while our tour guide provided insightful explanations and historical background. We were charmed by the mesmerizing scenes that unfolded before our eyes, at the same time absorbing a wealth of knowledge along the way. Our visit to the Su DongPo Memorial Hall added another layer of fascination. Standing in the same scenery once admired by the ancient figures we read about in textbooks, we could not help but feel a profound connection to the past.

After strolling through the tranquil and pleasant West Lake and enjoying a delightful dinner, the much-anticipated shopping time had finally arrived. The Hefang Street beckoned with its vibrant atmosphere, illuminated by a myriad of lights and filled with lively spirit and customs of Hangzhou. We were thrilled to explore the diverse array of local products, selecting souvenirs to bring back and share with our families. Although physically exhausted from the day’s adventures, the sense of fulfilment and the memories we created made it all worthwhile!

On the fourth day, our schedule began with a presentation on DGS delivered to six different senior secondary classes. We were simply astounded by the students’ active participation and their proactive approach in asking questions. Following a quick but tasty breakfast, we had a Chinese calligraphy session led by an esteemed teacher, Mr Liu Jiangfeng. The elegance, dignity and precision of Mr Liu’s calligraphy left us deeply impressed. While it might have seemed effortless from an onlooker’s point of view, we quickly realized we would definitely need years of practice in order to execute it well. With Mr Liu’s meticulous guidance and instructions, some of us were able to master it to a satisfactory level. Despite our works being imperfect and flawed, they represented our own creativity and character, and provided an immensely rewarding experience that evoked our interest in traditional Chinese calligraphy.

Immediately followed by calligraphy were two enthralling Chinese lessons alongside the local students. To our surprise, the two literary works we had previously studied were brought forth for discussion on that particular day, which felt familiar yet very different. Reciting the works in Mandarin wasn’t the easiest thing, but it proved to be an invigorating and refreshing experience. Gaining a deeper understanding of the literary works and the intentions of the authors greatly enhanced our comprehension of the passages. The students’ enthusiasm in learning and their eagerness to share their perspectives inspired us a lot. Furthermore, they exhibited immense talent in Chinese literature: they were able to thoroughly interpret the contexts even of unfamiliar literary works, and provide exceptional depth of analysis stressing the stylistic elements of the texts. It is evident that their focus on such elements surpasses ours, as we have a broader range of focuses which encompasses syntactic skills and answering techniques.

The most unforgettable activity of the day was definitely doing Tai Chi in the open area. Mr. Shen Songfu, a sixth-degree practitioner of Chen-style Tai Chi was specially invited to guide us in embracing this art. Mr. Shen’s vast experience and mastery of Tai Chi were evident as he amused us with his graceful movements and sophisticated techniques in some of his best moves. He mentioned that it was important for us to learn to slow down both mentally and physically and that Tai Chi is one of the best choices for achieving this. As it is not something we usually get to do in the increasingly fast pace of modern life, a lot of us found amusement and tranquillity in the process of learning and recognized the benefits of Tai Chi. We managed to grasp some basic moves by the end of the session; Mr. Shen generously allowed us to record a demonstration video capturing his flawless execution of the moves, enabling us to revisit and refine our skills back in Hong Kong! All in all, this collective experience became a cherished memory for both the teachers and students as we wholeheartedly embraced the beauty of this traditional martial arts.

To conclude the day, we gathered for one final time with our cherished buddies for a dinner, where we exchanged gifts and heartfelt words of farewell. Despite having known each other for a brief period, we had built profound bonds and everlasting friendships. As the evening drew to a close, we were overcome with emotion, and promised to remain in touch and gather again in Hong Kong next year.

On the fifth and final day, we enjoyed our last breakfast at the cafeteria before bidding farewell to the campus. The days we spent in Hangzhou Foreign Languages School were truly enriching and fruitful, and the culinary offerings in their cafeteria never ceased to amaze us. We then headed to the Zhejiang Intangible Cultural Museum, which is China’s first large-scale comprehensive venue for craftsmanship where 241 esteemed intangible cultural heritages can be found. Upon entering the museum, we were immediately struck by its vastness and modernity as it has only opened its doors to visitors recently. We were all amazed by every detailed and informative exhibit, which had clearly required immense time and effort to perfect. Every exhibit was accompanied by a comprehensive description which explained its background and history, deepening our understanding of Chinese culture. Some exhibits were adorned with vibrant lights, offering a kaleidoscope of colours; while others were equipped with the latest technologies to provide us with smart and interactive services, like a Tai Chi demonstration area; and all of these caught our undivided attention. There was also a DIY area where we could have hands-on experience in making our own crafts. We were deeply impressed by the fusion of technology and history in the museum.

Lunch on the last day was also very memorable with dishes nothing short of scrumptious. Hangzhou’s cuisine will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our favourite was definitely the Beijing Peking Duck. The specialty of it was that they gave us some sugar for us to dip into, a fresh customary serving style different from that of Hong Kong. The savoury duck and the slight crunch of the sugar created a perfect balance of flavours, etching a vivid memory in our minds.

Given that the Asian Games were held in Hangzhou this year, our next stop took us to the main venue of the Games – and all of us were beyond excited to visit this place. Although we were only able to admire the venue’s exterior, we could envision the magnificence and grandeur that awaited those fortunate enough to enter. At last, we made our way to the airport, ready to embark on our homeward journey.

As our remarkable trip concluded and we safely returned to Hong Kong, it was bittersweet to leave behind the joyous and fruitful days in Hangzhou. Despite the brevity of our stay, the impact was profound, leaving an indelible mark on each and every one of us. The encounter with Hangzhou’s rich culture, the acquisition of new knowledge, the memories we forged, the bonds we formed, and the breath-taking scenery all contributed to an unforgettable experience that will always linger in our minds. As we return to our daily lives, we carry with us a sense of gratitude for this invaluable opportunity, which serves as a beacon of fond remembrance, forever guiding us on our collective journeys.