On June 19, 24 Year 11 students from our school visited the Cultural Exchange Centre in Ponsonby. This enriching excursion was part of our effort to immerse students in diverse cultural experiences.
The day was filled with engaging activities that provided a deep dive into Chinese culture. We began with a fun and educational wonton-making session, followed by a captivating Sichuan Opera performance featuring the mesmerising art of face-changing. We also crafted Longxu candy, a traditional Chinese sweet, by stretching sugar into fine threads.
Learning about shadow puppetry was another highlight, showcasing the cultural significance and storytelling power of these intricate puppets. Trying on Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, connected us to ancient Chinese heritage. The serene tea ceremony taught us the meticulous art of brewing and serving tea, and we even wrote on tea foam, an artistic practice unique to Chinese culture.
To express our gratitude, we sang the Chinese song Jasmine Flower and the Māori song Te Aroha, thanking our hosts for their warm hospitality and unforgettable memories.
This visit was more than just a field trip; it was a journey into a different world that enriched our cultural understanding and appreciation. We returned with a deeper connection to Chinese culture and a broader perspective on the world.
Ms Xu
