Music Tour to China
From Shanghai to Beijing : Highlights of the amazing China tour
Students from our Instrumental Music program travelled to China over the holidays, performing music for three schools, including our sister school, Huaibei No. 1 High School, where they stayed with local families and attended classes. Students also experienced the history, culture and incredible tourist highlights of China. Read on for some highlights from the trip.
After a sleepless flight, our China adventure started in Shanghai, where we explored the vibrant shopping markets near YU Garden, sampling local street foods like xiao long bao. We toured the stunning YU Garden, admired the architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and took in breathtaking views from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower. Despite a typhoon that disrupted our plans, we made the most of our time together, enjoying games and bonding at our hotel.
After a four-hour high-speed train ride to Huaibei, we were warmly welcomed by the Huaibei No.1 High School community. Our collective first impression was that of the sheer scale of the campus. It’s as big as a small Melbourne suburb, with countless buildings that often go up to seven storeys. Staying with local families, we embraced traditional Chinese cuisine and cultural experiences, preparing for our performances.
On our third day in Huaibei, we met up to be given a tour of Huaibei no.1 High School. We were shown some of the facilities of the absolutely massive campus, including a state of the art science lab and a 'relaxation room' filled with 20 recliner chairs!
Then in the afternoon we did our first friendship concert, to a somewhat intimidating crowd of 1000 students. The popular song 'moon represents my heart' got a big reaction from the audience. We all enjoyed the Huaibei student's performances, with singing, dancing, folk songs, and an operatic duet of 'Auld Lang Syne' with a surprise appearance from the famous Cindy Frost. After enjoying various student performances, we felt like celebrities, taking pictures and sharing gifts.
Next, we traveled to Xi’an to see the remarkable Terracotta Warriors and cycled around the historic city wall, before indulging in a dumpling banquet and shopping at the night market. Our last stop was Beijing, where we visited iconic sites such as the Temple of Heaven and walked along the Great Wall, the most surreal feeling with the impossibly beautiful views. Our final day included a heartfelt farewell performance at the Beijing School of Foreign Language, where we visited classrooms and talked to a grade four English class who spoke exceptional English. We finished with a tour of the Forbidden City, followed by shopping at the Pearl Market.
It has been an incredible experience filled with cultural exchange, newfound friendships, and unforgettable memories. A huge thank you to Ms Brogan, Ms Frost, Mr Zhu, Mr Jones and Ms Hill for all your work.
Lucas, Alice, Sam, Kasper, Rufus, Jorja Amalia, and Harvey
