Ten selected students from Year 10 to Year 13 Chinese classes went on an amazing China trip over April break with their Chinese teacher, Ms Song. Here are reflections from some of the participants.

It’s a bittersweet moment to be back in New Zealand after the extraordinary experience I had indulged in. The New Zealand China Bridge Spring Camp was a unique and once in a lifetime experience which I will never forget. From climbing the Great Wall of China in Beijing, to biking the Xi’an City Wall, to haggling in the alleyways along Huiminjie, these activities did not only immerse me in Chinese culture, but also help me in my confidence. The camp pushed me to do things I had never done before like asking a shopkeeper to lower a bag by 50元 entirely in Mandarin. My favourite place and experience in particular was 白鹿原 Bailuyuan), a place which offered both a traditional and modern environment. I will forever remember laughing with my friends for undeservingly winning “Best Actress” in the theatre, screaming during the rollercoaster ride in the amusement park, and being wowed by the realism of the fake food props. Beijing and Xi’an are two beautiful cities in China which I hope to visit again. They’re places you could never get bored of, and I hope to come back one day.

Besides the cultural experience, I made connections with other students which I am eternally grateful for. If you asked me about the highlights of my trip, it would involve the 9 other amazing Westlake Girls’ students and the amazing Ms. Song. Although the cultural sightseeing was incredible, I will remember the wind blowing through my hair strolling down the road on a breezy night, hand-in-hand with my girls, excited to visit our third mall, and struggling to walk back to our dorms while carrying mountainous amounts of 淘宝 (taobao) packages. I will remember the late night gatherings in Ysabelle’s and my room sharing snacks, gossiping, and playing Monopoly, and I’m so thankful to have been given the chance to experience them. The camp brought me closer to people whom I didn’t even know prior to the trip, and now, they’re people who I struggled to part with at the airport. The China camp not only gave me a taste of Chinese culture, but also close bonds with people whom I plan to get even closer to.

The New Zealand China Bridge Spring Camp was a special experience that I will never forget, and one that I will treasure and tell everyone about. Thank you to everyone (especially Ms Song) for making this unforgettable event possible. By Cassidy Bernas 13PHR

Going to China for the Chinese Bridge Spring Camp has had a profound effect on my view of the world. By experiencing the culture, traditions, people, food, and history firsthand, I’ve been able to expand my perspective and notice the reality of the country in contrast to how the media portrays it. I’ve realised there is so much more to a place than what it may seem, making every moment of this trip its own special experience.

I now also understand how important it is to learn new languages and form your own perspectives based on personal experience. In many ways, knowing Chinese for me was the key to unlocking the country’s fullest experience. In moments where I was unsure of certain phrases, I realised that language is a foundation that connects people from all around the world. Without it, we lose the basic foundation that brings us together.

Key highlights for me were climbing the Great Wall, visiting the Forbidden City, and haggling for treasures at the Muslim Quarter. Every moment was memorable, and I am so grateful for the new friends I made! Experiencing China in person strengthened the connection between the language I learn in class and the country itself. I can’t imagine what my Year 9 self who first walked into Chinese class in 2024 would say about this trip! I’m excited to build on this milestone in my language learning journey and see what the future holds!  – By Sarah Attraqchi 11OVS

I was fortunate to spend two unforgettable weeks in China over the Term One school break. During this time, we visited a wide range of cultural and historical sites, including the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and many more. Each location offered a unique insight into China’s long and fascinating history, and it was incredible to see in person the places we had previously only learned about in class.

One of my favourite experiences was cycling over 13 km along the Xi’an City Wall. This gave us a completely new perspective of the city that we had previously only seen from the ground. It was a memorable way to appreciate how Xi’an has grown and changed over time. Our daily Chinese lessons were another highlight of the trip. These classes allowed us to immerse ourselves in the language and culture. We also took part in a variety of cultural activities, including taichi, fan painting, and clay sculpture. Each activity helped us understand different aspects of Chinese traditions and craftsmanship, and many of us discovered new interests along the way.

Beyond the cultural learning, the trip was also an opportunity to build strong friendships. I made more than 30 new friends and created countless memories that I will cherish forever. Sharing these experiences with students from different backgrounds made the trip even more meaningful.

Thank you to Xi’an International Studies University for hosting us so warmly, and to all the volunteer teachers who introduced us to so many fascinating aspects of Chinese culture. Thank you also to Dr Yang from the University of Auckland for organising such an eye opening and enriching experience.

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to Ms Song, who encouraged us to explore everything with an open mind, supported us throughout the trip, and helped us make the most of our time in China. Her guidance made a significant difference to our experience.  – By Lily-Grace Ng 13HSM

The 2026 New Zealand – China Bridge camp has taught me a lot about the culture and life in China. Initially, I didn’t know much about China and its cultural heritage past famous attractions like The Great Wall. Seeing it first-hand was an unreal experience. The vastness of the Great Wall proved exactly why it is a wonder of the world, as it snakes its way through the mountains as far as I can see. From the nightlife, full of light and crowds, with new foods to try, and unlimited trips to Mixue for brown sugar boba tea. To haggling with street vendors to get a good price, and even the occasional event of being scammed! My favourite memory in Beijing was visiting the Sicha hai street in Beijing, where there was a beautiful river right in the heart of a bustling evening street. I loved seeing the crowd, and taking photos by the river. My favourite activity in Xi’an was cycling the Xi’an City Wall which was almost 14km! It was so fun cycling with my headphones in while I took in the breathtaking architecture of the Wall while I enjoyed the view of the passing city. Personally, going to China has fostered a deep respect for the people, their hospitality, and Chinese culture; from the food, to Hanfu, and intangible cultural heritage. I would love to come back to China one day, and I will always cherish the memories I made there with the most wonderful group of girls, and all the friends I made along the way. Thank you China!  – By Trisha Kansara 11OVS