At YCIS Qingdao, learning extends far beyond the classroom.

This spring, students from Years 7 to 10 travelled across different regions of China, exploring history, culture, and everyday life through real experiences.

Each journey offered a new perspective — helping students better understand the world around them while developing curiosity, cultural awareness, and respect for different ways of life.

Year 7 students travelled through one of China’s most culturally rich regions, visiting historic cities known for their waterways, literature, and classical traditions.

During the trip, students explored early civilisations through hands-on discovery activities, experienced traditional crafts, and visited historic residences that offered insight into China’s past. They also spent time in natural landscapes, observing the relationship between culture and environment, and engaged with stories of influential writers and scholars.

Although the schedule was full, students showed impressive enthusiasm and maturity throughout the journey. They were respectful, curious, and supportive of one another — demonstrating not only a strong learning mindset but also a growing sense of responsibility and independence.

Year 8 students travelled to Henan, often regarded as the heartland of Chinese civilisation, where history is deeply embedded in the landscape.

They explored iconic cultural sites, from ancient temples to world-renowned stone carvings, gaining insight into China’s artistic, philosophical, and spiritual traditions. Through immersive experiences and interactive learning, students connected with history in a way that felt both meaningful and relevant.

Visits to cultural attractions and museums helped them see how thousands of years of history are interconnected, shaping the identity of modern China.

This journey encouraged students not only to learn about history, but to reflect on its significance — understanding how cultural heritage continues to influence the present.

The programme in Shanxi combined cultural exploration with inquiry-based learning and hands-on experience.

Students visited museums to explore China’s long history, and explored traditional architecture to understand family values and social structures shaped over time. In a well-preserved ancient city, they took part in role-based activities that brought historical commercial life into a vivid, immersive context.

They also engaged in practical experiences, including preparing traditional local food, gaining insight into regional culture through everyday life. In addition, visits related to industry provided a broader understanding of how historical development connects with modern society.

Throughout the programme, students worked collaboratively on observation and reflection tasks, developing key skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking.

This was not just a study trip, but a meaningful learning journey — one that combined knowledge, experience, and personal growth.

These experiences were more than travel — they were moments of discovery.

Students returned with new perspectives, deeper understanding, and a stronger sense of connection to the world around them.

At YCIS Qingdao, we believe education is not just about finding answers, but about learning how to explore, understand, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.