Days 1 & 2

Our first day was spent travelling. Following an overnight flight from Heathrow we arrived in Beijing in the early afternoon and were met by The Hutong representatives, who have been looking after us very well. We transferred to our hotel then in the evening we went out for dinner. This was exciting and each group were challenged to find a good place to eat and order for themselves.

Day 3

Our second day in China began with a delightful breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of both Western and traditional Chinese dishes. Students enjoyed exploring new flavours while also having familiar options to start the day, setting them up well for another exciting day in Beijing.

After breakfast, students headed out by coach for our first visit of the day: the Temple of Heaven. During the journey, our knowledgeable guide, Jason, shared fascinating insights into the history of Beijing. He explained how the city got its name and why it became the capital of China. The students were engaged and developed a good understanding of the city’s cultural and historical background.

Upon arrival at the Temple of Heaven, students learned about its importance in ancient China as a sacred site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The group explored the beautiful surrounding park, where local residents were enjoying morning activities such as tai chi and music. We visited key landmarks, including the Circular Mound Altar and the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Students were impressed by the striking architecture and took plenty of photos to capture the experience.

After lunch, we travelled to Dandelion School, where we received a very warm and friendly welcome from both students and staff. Our students were divided into small groups and participated in a range of lessons, including Chinese, English, Music, and PE. It was wonderful to see them working collaboratively with local students, taking part in pair and group activities that encouraged communication and cultural exchange. Many students showed great enthusiasm in using their Chinese to interact with their new peers, and it was a proud moment to witness their confidence growing. Before leaving, our students generously donated books to support the school’s library, which was very much appreciated.

We ended the day with a traditional Xinjiang-style dinner. Students had the opportunity to try a variety of authentic dishes, including ‘big plate chicken’ and lamb skewers. Many embraced the chance to experience new flavours, demonstrating an open-minded and adventurous attitude, even when trying unfamiliar foods.

It has been another fantastic and enriching day, full of learning, cultural experiences, and memorable moments. We are very proud of how well the students continue to represent the school.

Tomorrow promises to be just as exciting, and I will continue to keep you updated with more highlights over the coming days.
 

Days 4 & 5

We were finally welcomed with beautiful sunny weather, making it the perfect opportunity for students to explore some of Beijing’s most famous historical landmarks. The students were divided into two groups and rotated between visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, as well as the Summer Palace and the Great Wall.

At Tiananmen Square, students experienced first-hand the strict security procedures required to enter China’s political centre. After patiently queueing through the security checkpoints, we watched the soldiers guarding the national flag. Students were fascinated to learn that every morning at sunrise, soldiers perform the ceremonial flag-raising with incredible precision and discipline, standing motionless for long periods regardless of the weather.

We then walked to the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace that served 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties for over 500 years. The sheer scale and grandeur of the palace left everyone amazed. Our Hutong guide shared fascinating stories about imperial life, explained the meanings behind the animals displayed on the rooftops, and introduced the different halls and their functions. Students were especially excited to see the emperor’s throne, where important state meetings once took place.

We also visited the Empress Dowager’s living quarters and learned about traditional Chinese symbolism. For example, peaches represent longevity and good fortune in Chinese culture, which is why peach motifs can often be found throughout imperial palaces and gardens.

After the Forbidden City visit, we enjoyed a delicious lunch before heading to a traditional Beijing Hutong courtyard home. The Hutong courtyard is a wonderful example of traditional Beijing architecture and community living. Students visited a local market to purchase fresh ingredients before taking part in a cooking challenge.

The students did a fantastic job preparing and presenting their dishes to their peers. Staff members were extremely impressed by the students’ teamwork, creativity, and cooking skills. At the end of the activity, everyone sampled one another’s dishes and voted for their favourite. The winning pair received a special prize from the Hutong team.

The following day, the groups visited the breathtaking Summer Palace, once the summer retreat of Qing Dynasty emperors. The Summer Palace is famous for its beautiful gardens, traditional pavilions, and Kunming Lake, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Students were amazed by the stunning scenery and the intricate artwork decorating the buildings and corridors. During the photo challenge activity, students captured many wonderful moments and scenic views.

We then enjoyed a relaxing boat ride across Kunming Lake while taking in the peaceful surroundings and appreciating why the emperors chose this location as their summer escape from the heat of Beijing.

After tasting authentic Peking duck for lunch, we headed to one of the highlights of the trip — the Mutianyu Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is one of the best-preserved parts and was originally built over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty to defend China from northern invasions.

As we climbed higher, students were in awe of the breathtaking mountain views and the endless stretches of the Wall winding across the hills. For many students, it was a surreal moment finally standing on one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

After reaching the top, students enjoyed sliding back down the mountain on the toboggan ride — definitely one of the most exciting moments of the day! Once at the bottom, students had time to shop for souvenirs, and many confidently practised their Chinese by bargaining with local vendors. It was wonderful to see them using their language skills so enthusiastically in real-life situations.

Many students returned with special souvenirs and even bigger smiles after such an unforgettable experience. Tomorrow will be a more relaxing day as we pack and prepare to transfer to Huashan and Xi’an for the next stage of our adventure. We are all looking forward to discovering even more of China’s rich history and culture in the days ahead!

.