China Highlights

Over half-term, 20 of our Sixth Form History students enjoyed a fascinating, action-packed ten-day tour of China, led by Mr Rohit Benjamin and accompanied by Head of Politics Mrs Charlotte Arnold and Head of 13s Mr Tom Cooper. The trip was specifically designed for our History A Level students, particularly those who have chosen the ‘Transformation of China, 1936-1997’ course. Its itinerary was tailored to provide insight into the country's recent history.

As well as enjoying a full programme of activities and excursions, the group also benefited from the expertise of Mr Li, a dedicated local guide who showed them round all the main sights. The trip kicked off with three full days in Beijing where everyone was able to see first-hand how an ancient city steeped in history had transformed into a megacity. They visited important sights like Tiananmen Square, the imposing central city square which serves to symbolise the whole of China, Mao’s Memorial Hall, the resting place of Mao Zedong, where our students were able to see how much he is still revered to this day, years after his death, the sprawling Forbidden City, the largest and the best-preserved imperial palace complex in the world, Jiangshan Park and its view of the Palace in the sunset from the top of one of Beijing’s very few hills. Other highlights included a visit to the Marco Polo bridge and the tranquil Temple of Heaven, an outdoor Tai Chi session, a walk round Beijing’s 798 Zone Art District and the opportunity to watch a jaw-dropping acrobatic show. Not forgetting a visit to the section of the epic Great Wall, one of the Eight Wonders of the World, a trip to the Silk Alley Market, and numerous walks within its traditional hutongs. A stay in Beijing of course would not be complete without a Beijing/Peking duck dinner (or two!).

Next up, a bullet train to Xi’an – the city once known as Chang ‘an (the city of Eternal Peace)– which was another fantastic destination, evoking memories of the Silk Road. The group enjoyed a cycle ride round the top of the city’s ancient city walls, taking in the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda, a chance to explore the seemingly never-ending Muslim Quarter as well as an evening stroll to see the Drum and Bell Towers lit up at night. Of course, the Terracotta Army, the famous clay army created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife and one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world, was certainly a highlight too.

The journey didn’t end there and instead the group boarded another bullet train but this time to Yan’an – a huge ‘red tour’ stop to the place from where the Communists re-grouped before they ultimately took control of China in 1949. The place oozed Mao Zedong spirit, and one could not move for CCP paraphernalia. There was also time for a quick round of karaoke at a local restaurant before they left, and in the company of a Chinese tour group Rohit Benjamin sang a Chinese pop song and got the whole crowd singing along -  Harrodians doing their bit for Sino-British relations! (watch the video below) And it goes without saying that everyone enjoyed an incredible range and amount of delicious food.

But what did the students make of the trip? 'The highlights for me were the Forbidden City, the Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi’an City Walls because they were all breathtaking sites and I loved learning about their history throughout the dynasties and during the Cultural Revolution,' enthuses Lower Sixth History student Sophie, one of three girls on the trip.

James, also in the Lower Sixth, was particularly mesmerized by the differences between Western and Eastern cultures and the sheer scale of everything constantly reminded him of just how big and populous China is as a country. Chinese cuisine is also one of his favourites, so he thoroughly enjoyed all the delicious meals and taking part in a Biang Biang noodles workshop too! When asked what the most memorable part of the trip was, he is quick to share, ‘The Great Wall of China was the highlight for me – seeing such a fabled sight with my own eyes was surreal, and I enjoyed wandering amongst what felt like living, breathing Chinese history.’

Upper Sixth student Marlowe, a year ahead of Sophie and James in his A Level History studies, also picks out The Great Wall as one of the standout moments from the trip but insists on including the Terracotta Warriors on his list of top sights too.  Marlowe is also keen to point out just how helpful the trip has been for his learning. ‘The trip really helped me grasp the things we have learnt in the classroom and to contextualise it all. For example, our trip to Yan’an and the cave dwellings was directly linked to our period of study, and it was so interesting to see the sites that the CCP stayed in and planned their takeover of China.’ He is also full of admiration for the ‘incredible’ museums which he describes as ‘extensive, well-funded and organised.’

All three students express how privileged they feel to have visited such a fascinating destination, especially as part of a school trip. They unanimously agree that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with memories that will stay with them forever.

Trip leader Rohit Benjamin is thrilled with how engaged the students were throughout the tour and how fully they embraced every part of it. ‘What makes these trips so valuable is knowing that our students have enjoyed and learned from them. I can see the result of this in the classroom since coming back, and many of them are still buzzing with tales and memories of their time away.’