China Studies trips have been an integral part of our students' learning at WAB since our founding. The China Studies department at WAB consistently organizes memorable trips that provide students with the opportunity to explore China's rich historical and cultural heritage. After a gap of three years, China Studies trips have returned with even more enthusiasm, joy, and deeper learning.  

Over 2 weeks in October, Grades 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 all ventured on a wide range of trips around China. 

Grade 6 students embarked on a residential trip to Tianzhen, Shanxi Province. They hiked along the Ming Dynasty's Great Wall and visited the local Geothermal Research Center to learn about sustainable development. 

Grade 7 students joined the Shaolin Epo Martial Arts School in Henan Province where they practiced Chinese martial arts with the school’s other students. In addition to visiting the Shaolin Temple, they visited the Yellow River Xiao Lang Di Dam and explored the Sui-Tang Dynasties Grand Canal Cultural Museum. 

Grade 9 students experienced life in the three ancient towns in Southern China: Tongli, Zhouzhuang, and Xitang. They immersed themselves in the Watertown lifestyle and engaged in traditional painting, handcraft-making, and Chinese tea culture. 

Grade 10 students chose from 3 trip options: 

1. A photojournalist trip to Pingyao, where they explored the ancient town in Shanxi and visited Wang's Grand Courtyard and Shuang Lin Temple.  

2. A hiking trip exploring the biodiversity on Qingling Mountain.  

3. A visit to Shandong Province, where they explored Confucius's Mansion, Temple, Tomb, and Museum, and engaged in Chinese cultural activities at the Confucius Cultural Center and hiked Tai Shan. 

?Grade 11 students had multiple options as well: 

1.  An educational support trip, where students dedicated their time and service to Mingde Primary School in Shanxi. 

2. A visit to the Yuntaishan UNESCO Global Geopark in Henan Province, where students explored the Yellow River Dam Project, the Xiadu Museum, and the famous Longmen Grottoes.  

3. A trip to the Inner Mongolia grasslands where students built Mongolian Yurts, rode horses, and visited the Genghis Khan Museum. 

High School Principal, Jaime Pustis, emphasized the significance of these trips and shared "During these trips, students from Grades 9, 10, and 11 adventured different parts of China and deepened their understanding of the country.” She shared that through different perspectives, encompassing history, food, and arts, students engaged with the culture and expanded their knowledge. 

These eight China Studies trips have covered seven provinces and autonomous regions in China: Henan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, and Zhejiang. Aligning with our core value of China-Global coherence, these trips have not only given our students the opportunity to experience China's natural scenery, local customs, ancient history, and unique culture, but they have also helped them learn more about themselves and gain new perspectives.