Ms Tingting Zhang and Ms Winnie Sun, Chinese Language Teachers

Year 9 and Year 12 Chinese language students recently visited the Chinese Classical Art Centre in Dickson. The excursion offered a unique opportunity to experience traditional Chinese culture in an authentic and hands-on way.

During the visit, students learned about the history and cultural significance of several traditional Chinese instruments. These included the guzheng (zither), pipa (lute), xiao (bamboo flute) and dagu (Chinese drum). A highlight of the visit was the chance to try playing the guzheng. Students even performed the well-known Chinese folk song Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower), creating a shared moment of music and cultural appreciation.

In addition to music, students explored traditional Chinese customs related to festivals. One of the hands-on activities involved writing festive greetings on red envelopes using Chinese calligraphy. This allowed students to deepen their understanding of cultural symbols and the values they represent.

The visit closely supported classroom learning. For Year 9 students, the experience linked directly to their current unit on hobbies. They were able to compare traditional Chinese instruments with Western ones and reflect on how music shapes cultural identity. For Year 12 students, the excursion supported their study of the Diverse Perspectives unit. Seeing cultural practices in context gave them fresh ideas and inspiration for their upcoming inquiry tasks.

Students approached the experience with curiosity and enthusiasm. Many showed a strong willingness to try new things and engage beyond their comfort zones. They listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and embraced the challenges of performing music and writing calligraphy.

This visit helped students connect more deeply with Chinese culture, encouraging them to explore it with open minds and appreciative hearts.