Sister School - Zhejiang Quzhou No.1 Middle School Visit Tour 2024

By 5A Chen Ka Yam

During the early summer season, I had the privilege to participate in a study trip to Zhejiang. This trip covered many famous attractions in Zhejiang, including West Lake, Wuzhen, Songcheng, and more. We also had the opportunity to visit our sister school, Zhejiang Quzhou No.1 Middle School, for visit activities. Throughout this journey, I not only admired the natural beauty and rich historical culture of China but also deeply felt the profound heritage and diligent wisdom of the Chinese nation.

There were several places that left a deep impression on me, including the renowned West Lake. Stepping into this scenic area filled with picturesque landscapes, I was instantly captivated by the breathtaking beauty before my eyes. The emerald green lake, gentle breeze caressing its surface, shimmering water ripples, surrounded by lush green hills, and the legendary Leifeng Pagoda - a prominent landmark of West Lake that can be seen from afar. All these sights made me appreciate the elegance of West Lake. Walking along the lake's winding paths, the scenery unfolded, with trees casting soothing shadows on both sides of the shore, adorned with a variety of flowers. The weeping willows gracefully swayed in the gentle breeze, creating a serene and delightful atmosphere that was truly enchanting.

Next, we visited Songcheng. Stepping into Songcheng felt like traveling through time, back to a prosperous era of the ancient city. Strolling through the streets of Songcheng, I saw ancient alleyways, old temples, and traditional craft shops, all exuding a nostalgic charm that showcased the allure of ancient culture. In the evening, we watched a large-scale musical drama called "Everlasting Love in Songcheng". It was a magnificent performance that combined elements of traditional Chinese ethnic dances, martial arts, and music, creating a spectacular and moving spectacle. With the use of modern high-tech techniques, it created a dreamlike atmosphere, presenting the hardships of the Liangzhu people, the tragedy of the Yuejia Army, and the eternal love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian. When the performance ended, the audience couldn't help but applaud and appreciate the actors' incredible talent. The beauty of ancient culture is truly precious, carrying profound historical heritage and cultural significance that can touch people's hearts regardless of the passage of time.

On the third day, we left Hangzhou and went to Quzhou. The first place we visited was the Confucian Academy. At the entrance, there was a sculpture of Confucius, emanating a strong historical aura. Our tour guide taught us to pay respects, a form of ancient culture that made me deeply appreciate the value placed on etiquette and reverence for teachers and principals. Inside the exhibition hall, many precious artifacts and books were showcased, including famous calligraphy, ancient relics, and different language editions of the Analects of Confucius. It left me with a profound impression of how Confucianism has reached worldwide influence. These exhibits reflected the vast and profound traditional Confucian culture of China. I attentively observed those ancient scriptures and scrolls, deeply sensing the impact and contribution of Confucian culture to traditional Chinese life.

Lastly, the highlight was, of course, the visit to Quzhou No.1 Middle School. As soon as I stepped into Quzhou No.1 Middle School, I could feel the strong cultural atmosphere and the school's simple and down-to-earth style. The campus housed various small animals, such as spotted deer, alpacas, goats, and more, which made me deeply feel the care and importance the school places on students. The presence of these animals aims to help alleviate the academic pressures students face and enrich their campus life. Afterwards, we visited the school's historical hall and learned that many renowned figures have emerged from Quzhou No.1 Middle School, including the master of Guoxue (Classical Studies), Mao Zishui, the well-known author Jin Yong, and the film star Zhou Xun, to name a few. I couldn't help but feel deep respect for their achievements. We also participated in a mock court. This activity was highly informative and made me aware of the harm caused by campus bullying, emphasizing the need to address and resolve such issues at their roots. Throughout the process, I witnessed the multi-faceted education provided by Quzhou No.1 Middle School, with a focus on responsiveness and attention to detail. In classroom experiences, I saw the harmonious interaction between teachers and students, as well as the attentive and dedicated learning attitude of Quzhou No.1 Middle School students. These were all aspects worth learning from. In the Chinese class, Lin Juemin's "Letter with Wife" revealed his deep affection for his wife and their profound bond. His self-sacrifice and dedication to the revolution brought happiness and stability to countless families. Through in-depth interpretation by classmates and Mr. Ding's analysis, I immersed myself in the letter and witnessed the conflicts and sorrows experienced by Lin Juemin while writing it, as well as the emotional responses of his wife upon receiving the letter. In the biology class, interesting experiments brought us novelty, and during the process of making lipstick, Teacher also shared biological knowledge, making the learning experience enjoyable.

This trip to Zhejiang was filled with rewarding experiences. It not only showed me the natural beauty and historical culture of Hangzhou but also deepened my understanding of the abundant heritage of ancient Chinese culture, making me cherish the era and country I am in even more. Through the exchange with students from Quzhou No.1 Middle School, my beliefs have become stronger, motivating me to continuously improve my comprehensive qualities and cultural literacy. This journey has also bestowed precious friendships and experiences upon me. May we build bridges of friendship among different cultures, and may this friendship be as enduring as the gentle wind, regardless of the changes in time.