A Journey Through Chinese Traditions: Taichi, Opera, Garden and Yum Cha
To launch Term 3 with energy and cultural curiosity, Year 9 and Year 10 Chinese students took part in a full-day cultural and language immersion excursion on Friday 21 July, at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. The experience was thoughtfully designed to extend classroom learning, deepen students’ understanding of Chinese culture, and provide opportunities to apply their language skills in authentic contexts.
The day included two hands-on cultural workshops. In the Chinese Taichi Workshop, students learned fundamental stances and movements while gaining insight into the philosophy and discipline that underpin this ancient tradition. This was followed by a captivating Beijing Opera workshop, where students viewed a performance excerpt from The Drunken Concubine (《贵妃醉酒》) and explored the symbolic gestures, facial makeup, and stylised movement that characterise this classical art form. Both workshops were led by experienced cultural practitioners who provided rich historical and cultural context.
Students then enjoyed a peaceful self-guided tour of the Chinese Garden, taking time to explore the serene pathways, pavilions, and waterfalls. Dressed in traditional Hanfu, students immersed themselves in the elegant surroundings, gaining a deeper appreciation for Chinese aesthetics and cultural heritage.
A highlight of the day was a traditional yum cha lunch in Chinatown, where students sampled a wide variety of authentic dim sum dishes in a lively, communal setting. The shared meal fostered not only cultural appreciation but also joyful conversation and connection.
Adding to the richness of the experience, students were joined by peers from St Catherine’s School. This inter-school collaboration provided a valuable opportunity for shared learning, cultural exchange, and new friendships.
Overall, the day was a rich and memorable experience, filled with learning, laughter, and authentic engagement. We are proud of how our students embraced every aspect of the programme with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Ms Jingling Hu
Master Assisting of Chinese
Please see Patrick Fischl’s (Year 10) reflection on his experience of the day below!
Personally, after attending last year’s excursion (a treasure hunt in Chinatown), I was really looking forward to the next one and it did not disappoint! On the day, we were joined by the Year 9 and 10 Chinese students from St Catherine’s School who were a wonderful addition. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and practise conversational Chinese in a relaxed and authentic setting.
We had the honour of learning a routine of Tai Chi from an international grandmaster. The movements, though difficult for us, were powerful and the session gave us a deeper appreciation of the discipline and values behind this ancient martial art.
Later, in the heart of the garden we were fortunate enough to watch a Beijing Opera performance. For many of us, it was our first time experiencing this unique art form. We were amazed by the performers’ traditional makeup, colourful costume and expressive singing.
Lunch at the Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant was another highlight. Some of the fan favourites were the pork buns (叉烧包), siu mai (烧卖) and of course the dessert, the mango pancakes (芒果班戟). During our free time in Chinatown I also enjoyed Emperor Puffs and bubble tea, a great way to feel the authentic environment around us.
Experiencing Chinese culture outside the classroom helped me connect with the language on a much personal level, in a way that our textbooks simply can’t do. My favourite part of the day were the breathtaking views of the garden’s flowers while wearing Hanfu and learning about the strong culture of discipline behind Tai Chi. This cultural immersion has only made me more excited to continue this subject into later years.
