Wednesday, 30 April 2025Exciting School Trip to Beijing: A Memorable Journey
by 5P Simon Hong
Our recent school trip to Beijing was an unforgettable experience filled with exploration and cultural exchange. We gathered at school early in the morning, excited and ready for adventure. After a smooth coach ride to Hong Kong International Airport, we faced unexpected delays due to a sandstorm in Beijing and passing showers in Hong Kong. Although we finally landed in Beijing in the evening, we encountered further setbacks retrieving our luggage, arriving at our hotel nearly five hours behind schedule. Despite the long travel day, we were relieved to reach our destination safely.
Once we settled in, our exploration of Beijing began with a visit to Wangfujing Street instead of the planned Great Wall, which was closed due to strong winds. The Wangfujing Church, built in 1655 and reconstructed in 1905 after being destroyed during the Boxer Uprising, captivated us. As we wandered the bustling streets, we passed iconic landmarks like the Beijing Department Store and Quanjude Roast Duck restaurant. After a delicious lunch, we admired the stunning architecture of the Temple of Heaven’s Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where emperors once prayed for prosperity. The intricate, blue-glazed tiles adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings left a lasting impression. Our day concluded with a visit to the China Science and Technology Museum, where we marveled at space rockets and other scientific breakthroughs made possible by Chinese scientists.
The highlight of our trip was the sister-school exchange at Beijing National Day School Jinyuan. We were welcomed with a flag-raising ceremony and a hilarious comedy skit that set a joyful tone for the day. Engaging in an icebreaker activity, we built paper structures designed to hold textbooks. Observing classes was eye-opening; the students were eager and unafraid to participate, while teachers provided patient support. After lunch, we joined an exciting badminton match with the students of Jinyuan.
On our final day of the exchange, we attended an “Ethics and Law” class that reminded me of civic education in Hong Kong. We also hosted a Q&A session about Hong Kong’s education system, where students asked insightful questions about transfer requirements and math competitions. Later, I joined a frisbee game with my new friends, who cheered for me, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. During the farewell ceremony, we exchanged signatures on each other’s uniforms and took group photos, cementing our new friendships.
The trip also included a breathtaking visit to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. The steep steps challenged us, and while I had to stop before reaching the peak, the experience was exhilarating. We then toured the Forbidden City, where its immense size and rich history overwhelmed us. Our guide humorously noted that it would take 27 years to sleep in each of its 8,000+ rooms! We wrapped up our adventure at Qianmen Street, enjoying Beijing-style hotpot tripe before heading back to our hotel.
As we made our way to Beijing Capital International Airport for our flight back to Hong Kong, we reflected on the incredible experiences we shared. This trip was not only about exploring a new city but also about building lasting friendships and learning from one another. It was truly a journey to remember!