CW Chu College The Chinese University of Hong Kong eNewsletter

The fifteen-day Cultural and Language Study Tour to Beijing was organised by CW Chu College, in collaboration with the Office of Academic Links (China) of CUHK and the Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU). A group of six College students visited Beijing on this study tour between 11 and 25 June 2017.

Hosted by BLCU, the tour was designed as a combination of Putonghua study, the language proficiency test designed for native speakers of Chinese, Putonghua Shuiping Ceshi (PSC for short) and cultural exchange. The Putonghua lessons, rich in content and with an accent on practicality, were taught by highly qualified teachers, who encouraged students to interact through interesting discussions among themselves. In addition, the College students had Putonghua lessons with participants from The Open University of Hong Kong and The Education University of Hong Kong, during which they exchanged ideas with one another, and built up a cheerful friendship.

Before the end of the programme, the participants had a valuable opportunity to take the PSC, an official test of spoken fluency in Standard Chinese that is recognised and regarded as authoritative throughout China including Hong Kong.

Lessons were diversified and extended from language to culture. The teacher for Chinese calligraphy presented in a professional and innovative manner. Students were invited to demonstrate their handwriting in front of the class and to draw on xuan paper. Amazed by a new way to experience Chinese calligraphy, the participants enjoyed the lesson, and learned to appreciate a living art that embodies ancient cultures. In another class, they learned to hand-make a kite and later to fly it in the suburbs of Beijing, a brilliant way to enjoy the relaxing lifestyle of rural China.

Many sight-seeing events to historically and culturally significant locations were organised. The participants were impressed with the wisdom of traditional Chinese architecture through visits to the Palace Museum, the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Prince Gong Mansion, to name only a few. The students also visited some modern buildings in Beijing, such as the Beijing National Stadium, the Beijing National Aquatics Center, and the Beijing 798 Art Zone. Apart from sight-seeing, the students explored Chinese culture through an interesting lesson on Chinese Opera and a show at the Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre.

Overall, the journey was educational and eye-opening. The participants improved their Putonghua speaking skills, and also gained a better understanding of both the traditional and modern sides of China. The students felt thankful to BLCU for their hospitality.