Concordia High School Mandarin students recently concluded our school’s first ever Educational Tour to Chengdu, China. Our students had a great time exploring Chengdu’s rich culture, history, and flavors. 

This educational tour aimed to enhance students' Mandarin proficiency and deepen their understanding of Chinese culture through immersive language classes, cultural experiences, and community engagement. Students participated in intensive language lessons and hands-on cultural activities, including workshops, tours, and interactions with locals. The program also emphasized global citizenship, reflective learning through journals, and fostering cross-cultural communication and personal growth.

“Many students have been learning Mandarin in class, however they have not yet been to China. So, through this tour, they had the opportunity to go to China and see ‘oh this is what I learned, and I'm using it.’ It's not like learning from a textbook, it’s making connections and understanding what is happening in China in real life. And in this way students can gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. So, rather than sitting in a classroom, this trip is about experiential learning,” said Concordia Mandarin teacher and trip organizer Mrs. Liu.

Some highlights of the journey included:

Sichuan Cuisine Immersion: Students visited the Sichuanese Cuisine Museum and rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking class, mastering the art of fiery and flavorful Sichuan dishes.

Tea Culture Experience: At People’s Park, they soaked in the local ambiance while enjoying a mesmerizing Long Spout Tea Pouring performance, learned Tai Chi and played shuttlecock (jianzi) with Chengdu locals. 

The Magic of Face-Changing: Students attended a Sichuan face-changing workshop, learning about this ancient art before being dazzled by a live performance.

Historic Streets & Markets: Students wandered through the charming Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street, soaking in the blend of tradition and modernity.

Panda Encounter: No trip to Chengdu is complete without visiting the Panda Base, where students got up close with China’s beloved giant pandas.

Engineering Marvel: Students explored the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marveled at its ancient ingenuity.

Bamboo-Weaving Workshop: Creativity flowed as students tried their hands at traditional bamboo weaving, crafting their own souvenirs.

Old Town Adventure: A fun-filled scavenger hunt in Jiezi Old Town added an exciting twist to their cultural exploration.

Three Kingdoms History: At the Chengdu Wuhou Shrine, they delved into the legacy of Zhuge Liang, the brilliant strategist of the Three Kingdoms period.

“My favorite part about our China trip was how many opportunities I had to practice my Chinese. I’m taking the AP Chinese exam in a month, and getting to speak to so many native speakers and read so much Chinese—even just walking down the street—really helped with my learning. I feel much more prepared for my AP exam now,” said Luna (G10).

“I liked seeing the face changing opera, because within a second they'd changed their faces completely,” said Olivia (G9). “And it was funny because I was traveling with my Vietnamese friend who has just started learning Chinese, and I'm almost fluent. Everyone would talk to her and assume that she understood, but then I translated for her.”  

“I think the personal highlight of the trip is that I got the opportunity to spend a lot of very wonderful time with our students, which deepened our relationships. Also on the second day, when we went to People's Park, the students were able to see the authentic lifestyle of the Chengdu local people, some doing Tai Chi, some just hanging out and enjoying a cup of tea, some playing traditional Chinese games, and students had the opportunity to play games with them and use their Chinese language skills to communicate. So that was a big highlight for me,” said Mrs. Liu.

Learn more about Concordia’s High School program.