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Wednesday 31 May 2023
Week Without Walls


WEEK

WITHOUT WALLS

King's College International School, Wuxi


In an extraordinary journey that will forever be etched in their memories, Lower Secondary students from King's College International School, Wuxi embarked on a captivating "Week Without Walls" trip to the magnificent provinces of Fujian and Guizhou.  




Fujian


      Week Without Walls






The highlight of the trip was the visit to the awe-inspiring Tulous, the unique earthen buildings that dot the landscape of Fujian. These architectural wonders stood as silent witnesses to the region's rich history and vibrant heritage. As the students explored the intricate passageways and marveled at the sturdy structures, they gained a deep appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship of the Hakka people who built these magnificent dwellings. 


During their visit, the students actively participated in the local customs and traditions. They eagerly joined hands with the villagers to make gelatinous rice, a delicious food and technique that has been passed down through generations. Through this hands-on experience, they not only discovered the secrets of this delectable delicacy but also learned about the significance of food in bringing people together and strengthening community bonds. 


Immersing themselves further in the cultural extravaganza, the students showcased their vibrant energy by performing a dragon dance. Under the expert guidance of local instructors, they learned the intricate steps and movements, embodying the spirit of the mythical creature. This exhilarating activity not only fostered communication and collaboration but also helped the students connect with the age-old traditions of the region.  


The exploration of Fujian's natural beauty was a significant part of the students' journey. They had the opportunity to venture into the lush tea plantations that carpeted the rolling hills. As they carefully plucked tea leaves and participated in the ancient art of tea-making, they unraveled the secrets behind the perfect cup of tea. This immersive experience left them with a profound understanding of the time-honored traditions surrounding tea and the deep respect for nature ingrained in the local culture. 

WEEK  WITHOUT WALLS

King's College International School, Wuxi




GUIZHOU


          Week Without Walls




The cave tour was a huge challenge for the students! Despite the rain, their enthusiasm remained high. Students were equipped with specialized caving gear and protective helmets. When they arrived at the karst cave, which formed 240 million years ago, the children were very excited. Inside the cave, students saw common karst formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, curtains, cave pearls, moon milk, and cave corals. They also discovered a type of cricket commonly found in caves called the cave cricket, as well as bats hovering in the air and bat guano on the ground. Through the learning, students also found out that bat droppings are an expensive traditional Chinese medicine ingredient.


Students visited Pingtang Planetarium where they learned about the eight major planets in our solar system through a spherical dome movie. They gained a deeper understanding of space by exploring pulsars and black holes, as well as learning about the FAST telescope and why the "Dawodang" site was chosen as its location. Students worked together in small groups to create projects on the theme of ‘space’.


Students went through a series of challenges to reach the base of the "Sky Eye." From the start of their journey, they were not allowed to carry any electronic devices to prevent any electromagnetic interference with the telescope's signal reception. After climbing 768 steps, they  finally arrived at the observatory , where they could take in the magnificent full view of the Sky Eye. Students made their own telescopes using concave and convex lenses based on Galileo's telescope principle.


In the last day of the trip, they visited Qingyan Ancient Town, one of the four famous ancient towns in Guizhou. In this town with a history of more than 500 years, the children started a gourmet exploration tour. Students were divided into groups to see which group could taste more Guizhou specialty snacks, such as fried potatoes, ice powder, Guai Lu fried rice, tofu balls... and experienced the authentic Guizhou cuisine.


Students also had the chance to follow the intangible cultural heritage inheritor to make Pingtang black mud whistles. Using the traditional Chinese zodiac to color, fire, and glaze, they experienced the coloring process. Students were very attentive to the details of the production, and every small animal was very lifelike. The finished products will be sent back after firing and glazing.

WEEK  WITHOUT WALLS

King's College International School, Wuxi


The main takeaways from their Week Without Walls trips to Fujian and Guizhou are far-reaching. They learned the importance of preserving cultural heritage and respecting the traditions of others. They discovered the power of unity and teamwork, witnessed the beauty of nature, and realized the significance of sustainable practices.Moreover, the students developed a global perspective, understanding that our world is a tapestry of diverse cultures, each with its own unique story to tell. The trip ignited their curiosity, nurtured their passion for exploration, and broadened their horizons. 

It was a week filled with adventure, learning, and growth—an experience that will undoubtedly help shape them into well-rounded global citizens that are ready to face the world with an open mind and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.