What does it mean to truly learn a language or experience a culture? For Poly Prep’s Mandarin students, the answer is 12 days, multiple cities, and one unforgettable journey across China. 

From March 18-29, World Languages teacher Ruoran Huang and students embarked on a 12-day interdisciplinary excursion in China. Designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding, the experience invited students to trace China’s past and present firsthand. From the majesty of the Forbidden City to the vibrant energy of bustling night markets filled with the aromas of street food and the cadence of everyday conversation to mystical rural landscapes, students stepped into the rhythm of Chinese culture and life.

Throughout the journey, Mandarin served as the connective thread—woven into every interaction across Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, Longji, and Chengdu. Authentic, everyday moments, from navigating city streets and ordering meals to shopping in local markets and speaking with vendors gave students a deeper understanding of China’s culture, geography, and history. More than language fluency, students returned with greater confidence, stronger connections, and a deeper sense of themselves.

Cultural Discovery and Personal Connection in Yangshuo

By Sunny Gordon-MooPenn ’27

This was my first time in China, and also my first time outside the United States (aside from Jamaica). Many times when speaking with our tour guides, I was asked, “Have you had any culture shock yet?” and my answer was no. Don’t get me wrong, it was a drastically different experience, but at the same time, coming from such a diverse metropolis, it did not feel as unfamiliar as I expected. At least, that is what I thought… until I arrived in Yangshuo.

I was admittedly shocked, but not for the reasons one might assume. As a tropical and less densely populated region, Yangshuo had an extremely rural feel with palm trees and heavy fog. What surprised me most, however, was how much it reminded me of my family’s home in Jamaica. There were so many small details, like scattered, underdeveloped structures and the untamed nature, that made the resemblance feel uncanny.

I was ecstatic to be there. In fact, I had called my mom just a day before arriving in Guilin (the city Yangshuo is located in) and told her that the excitement hadn’t hit me yet. If you know me well, you know that when I am truly excited about something, it shows. But that all changed in Yangshuo. I felt at home there. I felt unfiltered happiness, bliss, and ease.

Returning to Shanghai: A Familiar Skyline Revisited

By Tyler Chan ’28

This was my second time in Shanghai. The shimmering skyline under the night sky, the smell of the sea, and the breeze all felt familiar to me. When I went last year, the rain whipped cold and heavy on us. I distinctly remember shivering under my windbreaker, ashamed of my lack of foresight to pack more suitable clothing.

But this time the sky so clear that nothing could shroud the impressive spectacle of the Oriental Pearl Tower glowing neon red. I looked at Ms. [Ruoran] Huang with delight then took a breath of the fresh riverside air and rushed to lean on the metal guardrails that overlooked the river. I saw that the water was a little choppy, the small waves splashing against the shore, and the bright lights of the buildings across the river scattered into glowing, colorful blobs of their reflections. It was beautiful. But, I still had one gripe: my t-shirt and sweatpants could not fend off the slight chill in the late night. I had underdressed once again.

From Gaming Hotels to Rice Terraces in Longji 

By Benjamin Rosano ’26

My favorite activity during this amazing trip was visiting a gaming room inside a hotel. There is no doubt that the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square were beautiful and historically rich sites that attract visitors for a reason, but being able to step into a local hotel’s gaming room and actually speak with a native resident about their room setup, which included multiple PCs, was a very amusing and distinctly “un-American” experience for me.

My favorite place was undoubtedly Longji. The landscape, shaped by generations of agriculture, looked like the images I saw on Google, but experiencing it in person was truly breathtaking. Walking along the dragon’s backbone rice terraces, I was struck by how the mountainside had been transformed into what feels like a living work of art over centuries.

In addition, the genuine friendliness of the farmers made Longji the most moving and memorable part of the trip for me. At one point, a local even spoke with me about his collection of antiques, where a carved 喜怒哀乐 Buddha head sculpture caught my eye (it may have been a replica, but he was extremely hospitable and engaging nonetheless).

Between Rice Terraces and Rain: Life in Longji Village 

By Francis van de Gevel ’27 

Although I wasn’t expecting to travel to a place like this, my favorite destination was the rural, agricultural village of Longji. Before going to China, I was most excited to see the places everyone associates with the country, especially Beijing and Shanghai—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Chang’an Avenue, and the Bund. While I did love those iconic sights, the most moving and beautiful experience for me ended up being Longji.

That morning, I woke up having missed breakfast and rushed to meet our group in the empty hotel lobby in Guilin. The bus ride was long; I ate a small bag of Lays chips at a roadside stop high in the mountains. We then transferred to another bus that climbed up some of the steepest roads I have ever seen. Looking out the windows at the foggy jungle-mountain landscape was breathtaking.

The hikes that followed were a mix of beauty and distraction, as we took countless photos. We eventually reached the first cluster of homes and met several elderly women who were very kind and generously allowed us to explore their traditional houses. I remember impatiently thinking about lunch while talking with friends and walking along narrow, steep trails, joking nervously about falling off the mountainside into the clouds below.

After the final and longest stretch of the hike, passing rice terraces and friendly farmers, we arrived in Longji village, where we were greeted by women wearing and selling traditional Zhuang and Yao clothing, as well as by our much-anticipated lunch. Across the entire experience, the interactions we had with people in the mountains (and throughout most of China) were incredibly warm and welcoming, which contrasted with some of the warnings about alienation or disrespect we had heard beforehand in the United States. We even bought some traditional clothing and brought it back to New York.

The experience didn’t end with the hike. We were also given the chance to help plant tea in the rain, somewhat chaotically but joyfully, wearing rice hats we had purchased earlier that day. We dug small holes and placed saplings into the soil while our classmates watched and laughed. This part of the trip became my unexpected favorite because of the warmth of the people, the physical experience of the journey, and the striking beauty of both the natural landscape and the human life woven into it.

Deepening Mandarin Fluency in Yangshuo 

By Jeffrey Chen ’28 

One of the main goals I had for this trip was to improve my Chinese language skills and apply them in real-life situations. Throughout the journey, I noticed my vocabulary expanding as I learned new expressions and terms. I also became more confident using the language in everyday contexts, such as ordering meals or interacting with vendors. My motivation for traveling to China was deeply connected to my personal experience. Although I was born and raised in a Chinese family, I had not had many opportunities to visit China before. This trip gave me the chance to better understand my heritage by learning about the country’s history and culture while fully immersing myself in a Mandarin-speaking environment.

There were several locations that left a strong impression on me. I was particularly struck by Yangshuo. The landscape felt almost surreal, shaped by its unique combination of limestone peaks and winding rivers. Compared to cities like Beijing and Shanghai, Yangshuo had a noticeably more peaceful atmosphere, with a pace of life that felt much slower and more relaxed.

In addition, the region offered an interesting cultural perspective, revealing a different side of China than what I experienced in larger urban centers. My time in Yangshuo was especially memorable, not only because of its natural beauty and uniqueness, but also because it provided an opportunity to explore the country’s cultural diversity in a deeper way.

Core Memories Made in Beijing: Friends, Freedom, and the Great Wall 

By Kevin Zhang ’29

I have been to Beijing several times, yet this visit felt especially unique. We first went to Tiananmen Square, one of the most well-known and frequently visited sites for tourists. It is incredibly vast and is closely connected to the Forbidden City, another must-see destination for anyone visiting China. I’ve been to many amazing restaurants, and the food throughout the trip was exceptional. I spoke with many locals, and thanks to Alipay, a mobile payment app, I was able to buy many things. I never experienced that much autonomy and financial freedom before. The nights spent with my friends were some of the core moments of the entire trip.

What was most memorable about our time in Beijing, however, was visiting the Great Wall of China. There is a saying that if you did not go to the Great Wall, then you did not go to China at all. This historic site is deeply embedded in Chinese history, and standing there, high above the landscape, looking out over the mountains and winding paths of the Wall, was profound.

I felt relaxed and happy throughout the visit with my friends. At one point, I even brought my laptop (after a friend dared me to for fun) and played video games at one of the peaks of the Great Wall. We also played charades along the Wall, which made the experience more interactive.

Climbing the Great Wall requires a fair amount of physical effort. It can be challenging at times. Some sections include steep steps going downward as well, which require less energy but still call for caution. It was both a demanding and fun experience that I will never forget.

First Impressions of Beijing: Cuisine and Culture

By Massimo Yeung ’28

Beijing was a mesmerizing city. Upon landing in China for the first time, I knew I was in for a treat. From the airport, we took a bus to a Beijing noodle restaurant. The food was delicious and prepared in a way that felt new and appealing. I enjoyed this introduction to Chinese cuisine, especially since it was my first meal in the country. It set the tone for what would be an exciting trip ahead, offering an early glimpse into China’s rich flavors and cultural atmosphere.

One of the highlights was visiting and exploring the Summer Palace. I was fascinated by the intricate architecture and the ancient trees that surrounded the grounds. As our group walked further into the complex, we caught our first glimpse of Kunming Lake. It was breathtaking, with palaces and pavilions scattered along its shoreline. Overall, the trip was incredible. We traveled to several stunning metropolises and rural gems, but what stood out to me most was the beginning in Beijing and how it immersed me in the culture, history, and atmosphere of China.

Lively Streets and Lasting Impressions in Shanghai

By Koen Chen ’28 

This was the second time I visited Shanghai and my favorite experience there was the shopping. The streets were very lively with a wide variety of stores. Another highlight was the food, including xiaolongbao and Shanghai hot pot. While I have eaten these foods before, they were outstanding. The trip opened my eyes to new things while also learning more about the Chinese language and culture.