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OAEC 2013 China Culture Trip Report

OAEC2013 Chinese Cultural delegation has back in town with unforgettable experiences. They visited the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Museum of Chinese History, the history stroll Yan'an Memorial Hall, visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an; Beijing Dance Academy,  Beijing Modern Dance Company LDTX,  Elementary school, High School and art school in Xi’an and so on.

Through a series of cultural activities to stimulate the students returned to the U.S. after the promotion of Chinese culture, adhere to seriously study Chinese initiative. Make students aware of the vital learning, the importance of cultural heritage of China and the future development of friendship between the two countries to become messengers and Chinese culture communicator’s mission. It is the students' wishes, but also the Oriental Arts Education Center held the cultural expedition intended purpose. Oriental Arts Education Center will allow students the spirit read a trip purpose, so that students observe and study the experience of continuous growth, contribute to promote the Chinese culture.


The following is partially taken from students’ diary to share with you.

William Li

Yesterday, while going back to the Grand New World Hotel, Mrs. Xu told of a heart story and the REAL reason of why we were here in China. We weren’t here to eat fancy and play/have fun all day, but to learn and acquire more knowledge of our parents’ and its culture. Every time the tour guide lectured us on the sites we were to visit that day, we were to listen attentively and to keep the knowledge forever in our brains, NOT drunkenly have fun and shrug off the words like oil sliding off glass.

Knowledge is a virtue that should be sought for, and should be earnestly uncovered not by long hours at the computer, but by fusing joy and learning into one. I think that the ultimate goal of the summer camp is to have fun and learn about the culture about China. Only you can be the one who decides if you can reach that goal.

Ellen Li

This summer we visited many historical landmarks. They taught us about our roots and China’s history. We learned to take responsibility in our actions. I met 3 other girls who made this trip my worth it. The highlight of my trip are the daily bus trips. I get to socialize with my friends and listen to fascinating stories about how China came to be. We were also given the chance to see all the different parts of China. I am thankful for the adult chaperones, the opportunity from OAEC and teacher Xu Li. I was able to learn more than ever about who I am.


Carolyn Zhang

This trip taught me many things like the importance to appreciate. I learned to respect and appreciate everything the adults did for us. During the trip, we went to lots of important places. I am very honored to have amazing tour guides, who told us so many interesting stories. I am also thankful to the teachers who tried their best to satisfy our needs.

This trip gave me time to hang out with my friends. It helped me become more responsible. Now I’m thankful for the clean toilets, blue skies, and fresh air in America, which is something that a lot of kids in China will never have.

Finally, I had a great time and learned some long lifelong lessons. I sincerely thank all the adults for helping us during this trip. I am thankful for OAEC and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council for giving us the opportunity to explore China. This trip was fun and informative. Once again, thank you all for making it happen.



Kevin Chen

My favorite part of Beijing was when we traveled to the old part of the city (Hu Tong in Chinese). Our little trip lasted around 50 minutes, but I still had a lot of fun. During our visit we rode in these three-wheeled carriages around Hu Tong. In the carriages, we saw many things, from a game of MahJong to an ancient house. The Old Part of Beijing was very interesting and represented Beijing’s history.


Sabrina Hu

We visited a lot of schools this trip. We were like exotic plants to them, because I’m pretty sure they had never been out of China. The deepest impression was Xian Middle School No.16. We received such a warm welcome, I felt bad about my crummy present. We learned about the Chinese holidays, and the activities were really fun, and my partner was really nice. The activities were like writing calligraphy, making lanterns, eating zhong zi and dumplings. My partner was really enthusiastic, and she led me around and introduced me to a lot of people, and she went out of her way to entertain me. We also went to an elementary school, a dance school, and a dance class. The dance academies all looked the same, but I appreciate XuLi teacher trying to interest us.


Flora Hu

After 2 and a half hours of a bus ride from Xian to Yanan we stopped at the Yellow River to watch brown, sandy, and bubbly water cascade over sedimentary rock. It was incredibly loud, but also beautiful. I have never seen a waterfall before. I never thought the Yellow River was that yellowish. Helen, Melanie, and I struggled to get to a tiny rock island right next to a smaller waterfall. We wanted to get through the whole waterfall, but the tour guide told us not to. It was scary, but also fantastic.

This summer camp I have made many new friends. I also think that I have learned many interesting things about China’s history. I have also learned to become more independent and responsible.


Michelle Wang

Suddenly, a voice overhead booms in my ear. ”Please take you seat, we will be land in a few more minutes.”

“Finally,” I whisper.

I sit still as I watch the plane lower out the window. It’s wings spread out, over the land like a seagull’s spreading over.


Melanie Che

China has been an exciting journey. Everywhere we visited had their own uniqueness

My favorite place to visit was the Yellow River because it was really fun hopping around rocks trying to find a good location. Flora Helen and I almost got in trouble for standing on a mini rock island in the middle of a tiny waterfall place. It was even safe if you fell into the water! It was that safe. But the lifeguard just smiled because he was surprised on how we got there and back. I never thought that the Yellow River would actually the yellow. It was quite funny that the river was the color of a banana and smelled quite funny. I guess sand affected it strongly. I loved how there was so much space and air, especially after going to all the other locations with a lot of people and high temperatures. I really would like to thank Mr. Tour Guide for showing us all the amazing sights and teaching us so much about Chinese culture and ways.



Alexis Malveaux

I feel very privileged to come on this WONDERFUL vacation. I learned about President Mao and how he united China. Now I know why his picture is hung up in Tian  An Men. I very much appreciate all of the amazing things the adults did for us. I’ll miss everyone here and I’m looking forward to next year. And again thanks to Xu Li, Sabrina’s Mom, Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, our tour guide, and our bus driver for an amazing vacation. Thank you!!!!!!!




Eric Tong

THE GROUNDS OF THE YELLOW EMPORER:

And amazing place for parkour, lots of places to climb, jump, run, and have fun on. Many great marks of history and just a place to have fun and hang out with your friends. Although I didn’t do many things in this area, It was fun, and in this whole trip, we learned to have

And thus,

Fate is destiny, destiny is dreams, dreams are hope, hope is trust, trust is confidence, confidence is gratitude, gratitude is decisions, decisions are patience, patience is control, control is responsibility, responsibility is care, care is cooperation, and it goes on..

And thus, this is Fate,

And that is it

Good bye




Claire Lu

I liked the Great Wall, even though climbing it was hard. The Great Wall stretches for thousands of miles. That’s a long distance! I can’t help but be impressed by the people who built the Great Wall. Never giving up no matter how hard it was sometimes. They probably didn’t complain all the time when they had to build the Great Wall. And yet we complain if the restroom is stinky. It makes me think about all the things we take for granted



I’ve always wanted to see the terra-cotta warriors, and I didn’t know they were in Xi-An. So I was really happy when I found out that we were going to see them in Xi-An .I thought that it was really cool that people built an army of soldiers for their king. In Pit 1 & Pit3 there were many soldiers( especially in Pit1), but in Pit 2 they were still digging and all you could see was dirt. It wasn’t just soldiers, there were horses, horse carts, drivers, weapons & all kinds of other things. We learned about what the ranks were and what they looked like. We also found out how they were made. I found it a valuable learning opportunity. The WHOLE trip.


Abigail Hu 8岁)

The waters of yellow river look like “chocolate milk” because at night the wind blows sand into the water. And that is why we all it the yellow river.


Cindy Li

When we were at Beijing, we visited a lot of places. At Tiananmen Square we saw lots of famous buildings. When you say the words “Tiananmen”, the first thing that pops into my head is the picture of Mao Ze Dong. I think he’s a really famous and smart person. In Yan’an, we visited where he lived. I think he’s a person that takes his work seriously and is a thoughtful person. I finally know why his picture is hanging in Tiananmen square


Grace Liu

My favorite part of this trip was when we visited the middle school. I got to learn a lot about the Chinese festivals. I especially liked the play they did.. It told me a lot about Chinese culture. Visiting china made me thankful of all the things in America. I also appreciate the parents and teachers that helped out. This summer has been special thanks to OAEC and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. J


Helen Pu

On July 2nd, we went to Beijing’s Ju Yong Guan part of the Great Wall. At first, Michelle and I were climbing partners. We climbed in the roasting yet windy weather to the first tower. It was very tiring to get there. To get to one tower, it’s about 150 steps. Inside each tower, the temperature was cooler than the outside. At the first tower, Michelle decided to head back down to the bus. I urged her not to but she said she couldn’t take it anymore. I eventually let her go back down. Seconds after Michelle headed back down, the rest of the Group headed toward where I was. Though there were only thirteen people headed my way, only Flora, Abigail, and I continued to climb while the rest of the group headed back down. We climbed and climbed and eventually caught up with the boys. After catching up, all eight of us continued climbing, taking constant rests. We eventually made it to the highest tower and Grace’s dad caught up with us minutes after. After a six minute rest and pictures, we headed back down. Going up was hard but not really scary. Going down was scary but not hard. We finally made it to the bottom and lost a lot of weight. Climbing the Great Wall was a great experience, a great workout, and a great feeling.


Jennifer Yu

Finally we’re in China, that’s the good part. The bad part is that our luggage is late!!! Such luck. Our hotel isn’t that fancy either but it is much better than some of the hotels I’ve been in. Even though this trip is starting us with problems, I still think that we will have an awesome time.



Tristan Wang

There was no air conditioning in the terracotta warrior place. So it was very hot. I was sweating, but when I looked around, it seemed like no one cared. I really like looking at the terracotta warriors. They looked very cool. My favorite part of this trip was climbing the Great Wall. It was my favorite because I got to challenge myself. I also learned something about it. My group went to the highest tower. It was very tiring. Once we got to the top, I could see the beautiful mountains and feel the wind. It was one of my favorite days in China.


A Hymn on Bike Riding in Xi’an


By: Jimmy Liu

When you first start out, your fire burns bright,

But as you continue, it starts to fade in light.

But it continues existing, fighting, striding,

And never collapsing to the infinite darkening.


But as you speed from tower to tower,

The fire in your soul will start to flower.

And when it finally blooms you start to believe,

That you may not have to pay any sort of fee.


But, as usual, there are always the obstacles,

The elements of the earth and the heat of the rays.

Though you may not overcome the heat of the air,

Your drive will always stay very fair.


And finally, you’ve reached the end of the trail,

Even though you thought to fail.

Alas, the victory cannot last forever,

And soon you will have to say farewell….


To the fire, that burns so brightly. Illuminating the darkness in your heart.


But though the end of the journey was quick,

A mere thirty minutes or another prick.

You still learned to fight,

No matter how dim the light.


“Dedicated to everyone who was driven to keep working on this trip. Thank you teachers for helping us through the trip and I hope everyone has a great summer!”