Excitement and Expectations

We were looking forward to this exchange trip to Shanghai, as it was a rare chance for us to travel, especially after the pandemic. Even before the trip began, our minds were filled with excitement at the thought of all the different places we would go, and the scenery that we would be able to admire. After a few days of impatient waiting, the morning we set off finally arrived. We made sure to arrive on time, eager to start our five-day trip to Shanghai. We were also slightly nervous, as we didn’t know what to expect on this trip. How different is Shanghai from Hong Kong?

The prospect of immersing ourselves in a potentially new culture, exploring a vibrant city, and forging meaningful connections with people from a different background filled us with anticipation, nervousness and curiosity. Despite the uncertainties, the overwhelming sense of eagerness to embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity overshadowed any doubts. We were excited to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the exhilarating experiences that would await us in Shanghai.

Originally a fishing village and market town, Shanghai grew in importance in the 19th century, both due to domestic and foreign trade, and its favourable port location. The city was one of five treaty ports forced to open to European trade after the First Opium War. After the establishment of the Shanghai International Settlement and the French Concession, the city began to flourish, becoming a primary commercial and financial hub of Asia in the 1930s. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the city was the site of the major Battle of Shanghai. After the war, with the CCP takeover of the mainland in 1949, trade was limited to other socialist countries and the city's global influence declined.

Today, Shanghai is a thriving metropolis with a population of over 24 million people. It serves as a major financial, commercial, and technological hub, attracting businesses, tourists, and professionals from around the world. Most of us had only seen pictures of Shanghai before, but could tell that it was a vibrant and beautiful place; we were pretty curious to know how different the city is from our beloved Hong Kong.

Those unforgettable experiences

To kickstart the trip, the exchange group immersed us in Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School. During the first two days, we attended lessons together with the students there. Although the lessons were conducted in Putonghua, which was not a first language for most of us, some topics taught were in sync with our curriculum. We were inspired by the students’ learning attitudes and reminded to equip ourselves better in our learning. In addition, each of us was assigned a buddy to ensure we could have a warm and comprehensive experience. We got such warm hospitality from them that some of us even befriended them on social media.

Accompanied by buddies, we started the marvellous and indelible journey at Shanghai No.3 Girls' High School. We were amazed at the layouts of the classroom at the school: the classical windows and blackboard, and the well-decorated walls made me feel a sense of intimacy. This was a famous American Gothic Revival architectural style building, designed by Hungarian architect Ladislav Hudec. Studying in such a historic place was a completely eye-opening and different experience.

Our first day learning at Shanghai No.3 Girls' High School kicked off with an invigorating IT lesson. The classroom brimmed with enthusiasm as the students actively engaged in lessons, paying attention to the teacher. It motivated me to imitate them. The teacher used a very clever analogy to explain the concept of "true" and "false" in Python. Rather than simply executing what they had learnt on their computers, students initially wrote down the Python codes in their textbooks and solved conventional questions on paper, after which they would type codes into the Python software and execute programs. We found that the process of writing down knowledge was not only beneficial in reinforcing our memory, but also enhanced our understanding.

The Physics lesson was also similarly impressive, and covered similar topics to our curriculum at DGS. While being taught scientific concepts in English at DGS undeniably makes them difficult to understand at times, using Putonghua – which some of us were found to be much more fluent in – did not make some of the abstract concepts much easier!

Another aspect that fascinated us about the school was the wide range of elective courses available to students. In the realm of physical education, there were four elective courses for students to choose: volleyball, basketball, aerobics and martial arts. The diverse selection allowed students to pursue their interests and develop their talents. Also, students attended elective courses every Friday. There are countless kinds of elective courses, such as acapella, Olympiad math training, 3D printing, psychology, model political office, student company, new media film production, science experiments, robotics and programming, and drumline. These elective courses not only enhanced students' extracurricular experiences outside the classroom, but also fostered personal growth. It ensured the all-round development of future female leaders.

We navigated to different places in the school. We discovered a grand hall that resembled a church, adorned with intricate architectural details and colourful stained glass windows. The sunlight shining through illuminated this century-old monument, adding a layer of mystery and sacredness. Leaving the grand hall, we walked past several music rooms, each filled with an assortment of Chinese and Western musical instruments, waiting to be played by talented students. We continued to the visual arts corridor, which showcased a collection of student artworks. The paintings, sculptures, and doodling were amazingly impressive, reflecting students' imagination and artistic prowess.

The trip also featured visits to the rich cultural corners of Shanghai. We visited iconic landmarks such as the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Xujiahui, where we learned about the city's history, art, and architecture. Interactions with local residents and engaging in traditional activities enhanced our understanding of Chinese culture. We were particularly impressed by the traditional Shanghai food and Tanghulu which has been a popular snack since the Southern Song Dynasty.

Another memorable scenic spot was the Shanghai Film Museum – which, according to our tour guide, is also known as the "Hollywood in Shanghai”. It was here that the renowned Chinese movie studios, including Lianhua, Diantong, Xinhua, Kunlun, Wenhua, Haiyan, and Tianma, emerged during the 1930s. In 1949, the Shanghai Film Studio – which would go on to become one of the three largest film production centres in China – was established here. The Shanghai Film Museum was opened to the public in June 2013 on the former site of the Shanghai Film Studio. Covering a total exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, the museum is a major showcase of China’s film productions: it features integrated functions of display and interactive visiting experience, serving the needs of archival collection, academic research and public education.

The study trip also included social and networking events to foster friendships and connections among the participants. A welcome dinner, cultural performances, and group outings allowed for informal interactions and the exchange of ideas. These events created a sense of camaraderie and encouraged participants to network with like-minded individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Reflection

The exchange trip has been an incredible journey filled with personal growth, cultural immersion, and lifelong connections. By venturing into new territories and embracing the unfamiliar, we have expanded our horizons and gained a deeper understanding of both Shanghai and the whole of mainland China.

One of the most prominent outcomes of the exchange trip has been the significant personal growth experienced by each and every one of us. Stepping outside of our comfort zones and facing unfamiliar challenges in a foreign place has allowed us to develop resilience, adaptability, and independence. We have learned to navigate different cultures, languages, and communities, fostering communication and collaboration skills. These newfound skills will undoubtedly serve us well in our future endeavours, whether academically or professionally.

Moreover, the exchange trip has provided an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion. We have had the opportunity of studying among local students, experiencing their education systems and appreciating their school culture. We also visited many tourist attractions in Shanghai, enhancing our knowledge of Shanghai’s history and learning how it evolved into the metropolis it is today. This immersive experience has allowed for a deep appreciation and understanding of our vastly different cultures, breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy. The exposure to different perspectives and ways of life has helped us integrate into the life of mainland Chinese and increased our sense of belonging to our country.

Additionally, the exchange trip has facilitated the forging of lifelong connections and friendships. We have had the chance to interact with fellow students from both Hong Kong and Shanghai, creating bonds that transcend borders. Many of us were originally strangers, but we grew closer from our days of living and learning together. The shared experiences and memories created during the trip will undoubtedly create everlasting bonds between students from both cities.

Finally, the exchange trip has served as a catalyst for personal and academic growth. We have gained a deeper appreciation for our own culture and heritage, and at the same time, have developed a curiosity and appreciation for other cultures. The knowledge and insights gained during the exchange will undoubtedly enhance our academic pursuits, enabling them to approach our studies with a more global perspective.

In conclusion, the exchange trip has been a transformative experience for all of us. It has fostered personal growth, cultural understanding, and lifelong connections. The impact of this journey will extend far beyond the duration of the trip itself, shaping our lives and influencing our future endeavours. The exchange trip has truly opened doors to new opportunities and broadened horizons, leaving an indelible mark on us and paving the way for a more interconnected and compassionate world.