Unveiling the Treasures of Chinese Culture

Wanling Zhong

Teacher - Chinese (Manadarin)

Early this term, the Year 7 Chinese Language students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Chinatown - a bustling enclave that serves as a gateway to the fascinating world of Chinese heritage. Guided by their enthusiastic teachers, this excursion proved to be an enriching experience that allowed the students to dive deep into the heart of Chinese culture.

The first stop on their adventure was the renowned Chinese Museum, a captivating repository of historical artifacts and exhibits that vividly depict the lives of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush era. With wide-eyed curiosity, the students explored the stories of these intrepid pioneers, who braved adversity to seek their fortunes in a foreign land. Through compelling narratives and interactive displays, the students gained a profound appreciation for the resilience and determination of the early Chinese settlers, whose contributions have indelibly shaped the multicultural tapestry of Australia.

The museum visit took an awe-inspiring turn as the students encountered the southern hemisphere's longest dragon, a magnificent symbol of power, luck, and prosperity in Chinese mythology. Standing before this mythical creature, intricately crafted with vibrant colors and dazzling details, the students couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and reverence for the deep-rooted traditions of Chinese culture.

Throughout the museum visit, the students eagerly identified and pointed out Chinese characters they had been diligently learning in class. This linguistic connection not only reinforced their language skills but also provided a tangible link between the classroom teachings and the real-world application of the Chinese language. Immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of Chinatown, the students appreciated the significance of language as a bridge between different communities, promoting understanding and unity.

Apart from the enlightening museum tour, the students actively participated in a lantern-making activity, a traditional craft that symbolizes luck, happiness, and prosperity. Armed with red envelopes, the students collaborated and supported each other in crafting exquisite Chinese lanterns. This hands-on experience not only honed their creative skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and cultural appreciation among the students.

This Chinatown excursion had offered students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the depths of Chinese culture, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity and cultural exchange. Through their visit to the Chinese Museum and the lantern-making activity, the students emerged with enriched language skills and a heightened awareness of Chinese culture. 

Owen Hughes

Year 7 

The excursion was really good. I was very interested to see some aspects of life from ancient China. I liked how in the tour, instead of just showing pictures and videos of the time, they had real life sculptures, rooms and representations. The lantern making was also really fun.

Leroy Lalor 

Year 7

I really enjoyed exploring the Chinese museum and understanding their festival culture. It was cool when we made lanterns and I especially enjoyed learning about the gold rush in the early days.

Zelda Ferreiro 

Year 7 

The excursion was cool; there was a lot of interesting artifacts in the museum. 

Rangi Simanjuntak 

Year 7

It was quite interesting and [the museum] was fun to explore. 

Also, lantern making was nice.

Emmanuel Zefi 

Year 7 

It was very interesting to learn how the lanterns were made.

Jack Beerens 

Year 7 

It was really fun to make the lanterns and hang out with my friends.

Eury Woulahan-Eltham 

Year 7  

The museum was interesting, [with] a lot of artifacts that were old and rare. The jade burial suit was one thing I remember strongly, as it was quite pretty. The Dragon was beautiful, and extremely long (63 metres). It was very large and colourful, and...just nice! The excursion in general was lovely, and the lantern making was fun. Although mine went a bit wonky in the end, it was still enjoyable to make it.

Alex Mornement 

Year 7  

I really enjoyed looking around the museum and learning about the Chinese culture and festivals. One of my favourite parts was learning about the gold rush and the Han Dynasty. I also enjoyed the lantern making.

Zaac Rogers 

Year 7  

I found that it was really fun learning about the Terracotta Warriors and the Han dynasty. 

Levi Allen 

Year 7 

It was amazing to experience the rich culture in all levels of the Chinese museum - from the Terracotta Warriors to the gold rush exhibition -  I loved it. I want to go back!