Objectives of the trip

• To learn abt the historical as well as the economic aspects of China.
• To widen our horizons and to broaden our minds.
• To appreciate the lifestyles of people elsewhere on the planet.
• Learn not to take things for granted.

Organization structure

(To be completed)

Itinerary

Day 1:

• reached Beijing airport at ard 5.30 PM
• checked in at the Novotel Hotel at ard 6.30pm
• proceeded for dinner after that.
• Returned to hotel to rest for the day

Day 2:

• breakfast in the hotel

sites visited:

• Ming Tombs
• Great Wall of China
• Visited the place where pearls were extracted from oysters; saw how pearls were transformed into beautiful onaments and jewellery.
• Took a walk along the Night Food Street of Beijing

Day 3:

• tiananmen square
• forbidden city (Gu Gong)
• Beijing university
• Exchange programme in a local middle school
• Watched the Chinese Acrobatics show performed by young Chinese. Young gals and boys of ard 5-12 years old performed amazing stunts which was an eye-opener for us.

Day 4:

• visited the Museum of Chinese History and Chinese Revolution.
• Departed for Xi’an; reached there at ard mid afternoon
• Visited the Bell Tower and City Wall(Cheng Qiang) of Xi’an
• Visited the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
• Visited the Dayan (Big White Goose) Pagoda
• visited the Night street stalls along Xi’an
• checked into hotel

Day 5:

• visited the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum.
• Saw the Terra Cotta warriors and horse figures
• Departed for Beijing

Day 6:

(Shopping Spree)

• brought us to the Xiu Shui Street for great bargains
• Temple of Heaven
• Hard Rock Café for lunch
• Visited the teahouse where different types of tea was displayed and introduced.
• We had a sumptuous Beijing Duck dinner
• We did our last minute shopping at Wang Fu Jing street; determined to spend all our money.
• Packed our bags for departure the next day.

Day 7:

• departed for Singapore!!

Sites visited

Ming Tombs (Dingling)

It is the tomb of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors and also known as ‘Underground Palace’. Excavated in 1958, the palace consist of 5 connected chambers constructed entirely of stones without beams or pillars.

We came to find that the ancient Chinese artifacts were very exquisite and long lasting then we could imagine. They were still in good condition after so many thousand years buried beneath the earth. And the ancient Chinese were actually quite innovative in their creation.

The Great Wall

One of mankind’s greatest engineering achievements and the only man-made structure that is visible from the moon. First built during the spring and autumn period (770 – 476 BC) and extended from dynasty to dynasty, it meanders for some 6400 km, across mountains and valleys.

We students found it a majestic and spectacular sight the moment we reached there. The satisfaction of climbing one of the 8 great wonders of the world was undescrible. It was extremely cold up the Great Wall. But ironically, we turned all red on the cheeks due to the tedious climb.

It was hard to imagine how the ancient Chinese built the Wall with their own bare hands. Even we found it difficult to climb given its gradient, the deaths of thousands of people during the course of building the Wall was justifiable.

Tiananmen Square cum Forbidden City.

This is the heart of modern China. Today one of the world’s largest square at 50 hectares, Tiananmen Square actually did not exist during the days of the Qing Empire. It was gradually created during the !st half of the 20^th century and has witnessed many crucial developments of the Chinese history. A number of political demonstrations take place here during the years of the Republic. On Oct 1 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China from the rostrum of Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Until the mid seventies, the square was used to stage massive parades and rallies, but it has retained its role as a focus of revolutional protest and dissent, most recently during the pro democracy demostations of 1989.

In the middle of the huge square, was a gigantic portrait of Mao Zedong which showed his great influence to the Chinese people.

Located just right next to Tiananmen Sqare, Forbidden City (Gu Gong) is the largest architectural structure in China which had served as the palace for the Ming and Qing over a period of 500 years. The throne of 24 emperors spanning a period of 491 years from Emperor Cheng Zu to Emperor Puyi, this mammoth royal residence took 14 years to complete and occupy and total area of 720 thousand square meters, providing 9999 and a half room for the Emperor, his wife, concubines and staffs.

Beijing University

We took a tour around the most famous and one of the best Uni. in Asia. It was gigantic and the students traveled around in bicycles. There were many courses available in the university. It was a pity that we did not get to go into the buildings to explore. There were stalls set up in the Uni. to sell Xmas and New Year cards and CDs as well,

Xchange programme with the middle school

The school consisted of students from sec 1 to y2. We had a slight communication breakdown with the students. Their Chinese were too good and they could not really understand our English. Each parties had a speech on our respective economic background and social stability. And from there we understood the difference between the 2 countries in this 2 areas.

Xi’an

Xi’an was capital of China for 1100 years but its importance did not end with the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming, it was the seat of power for an imperial prince, who built a new city among the ruins of Chang’an surrounded it with a wall and constructed impressive Bell and Drum Towers. All the latter have been fatefully restored in recent years, to offer tourist a taste of Ming China.

Every Ming city had a Bell Tower and a Drum Tower, and those in Xi’an are probably the best preserved in China. Situated in the center of town, the Bell Tower, when the bronze bell was struck as the city gates were open each morning, offers an excellent view of the city from its platform. The Drum Tower which sounded the evening curfew, contains a two-storey building with a panoramic view of the surrounding Moslem district.

Terra-cotta warriors

Just as impressive is the new Provincial History Museum, modelled on a Tang dynasty palace and filled with thousands of relics that offer a brilliant commentary on Xi’an’s long past.

The burial grounds of the Qin Emperor were discovered by farmers in 1974, and to date 3 vaults have been excavated that contain life-sized soldiers, chariots and horses, also known as the terra-cotta. Each terra cotta has their individual uniqueness. None of them are the same in any way. Although many were pieced together, there are still many remnants that need to be put together which will prove to be a tough job for the archaeologists in future.

Xiu Shui Free Market (Silk Alley)

A street packed open-fronted stalls over flowing with export-quality silk garments, carpets, toys, hand-embroided blouses, gift items, imitation branded goods, etc.

Students are able to bargain for goods at a lower cost. However, some how or other, we still feel that we have been overcharged. This reflects the Chinese’s experience in bargaining. However, since it was winter, there were not many clothing we could buy which would suit the Singapore weather.

Temple of Heaven

Situated in the southern suburbs of Beijing, this is one of the supreme of Ming architecture. It is also the largest existing ancient architecture group built in China. Its construction is full of symbolism, like its magnificent roof, which was constructed without the use if a single nail! One of the attractions at the Temple of Heaven is the Hui Yin Bi (Echo Wall). We had a lot of fun at the Echo Wall. If one person speaks to the wall, another would be able to hear the echo a distance.

Highlights

(to be completed)

Educational Initiatives

Economic Projects

History Projects

Notices

(To be completed)

Reflection

This particular trip was exceptional meaningful and interesting. Casting aside the wonderful and tourist infested sites; the Chinese culture and lifestyle are worth mentioning because they were showing strong sense of patriotism. They are more truthful in their feelings. They were a frank a mass of people. The people here in Singapore are great contrast, which happens to be disappointing.

The Chinese students there were very well educated. They are streetwise and much more mature compared to us. Except for the normal subjects that we usually learn in Singapore, they also learn Politics. The economic and historical subjects were learned by these Chinese students at a tender age. The female Chinese students were much more cultured and reserved. The Chinese students were better educated as a person compared to local students.

The TPJC students were in a rather keen and eager mood during the whole trip, all wanting to know more about this ancient civilization’s modern outlook as well as their glorious past. The teachers were responsible and fun loving as expected. Brilliancy in their organization skills made the trip plain sailing. We are sure that not a single individual regretted going and we can tell you it is every dollar well spent.

Acknowledgements

Mr. Albert Tan

Mr. Suhaimi

Mr. Shalan

Miss Tan Chien Ming

TPJC

The principal

As well as,

The other enthusiastic students involved.