From the Great Wall to Chengdu’s Panda Valley: Embracing Chinese Culture Through Extracurricular Activities and Excursions

Photos taken by Juliano Dantas Portela (Yale University), Student Correspondent for CET Beijing, Summer 2024

Traditional Chinese Art

I took this picture in a 书法 (shūfǎ – calligraphy) class offered as one of the extracurriculars in the CET program. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese art and improve our language skills.

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The Great Wall

Me and my friends on the CET sponsored excursion to the Great Wall (长城 – Chángchéng) in Badaling (八达岭 – Bādálǐng). It was an incredible experience to visit this iconic landmark together, enjoying the breathtaking views and learning more about its history.

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Guest Lecture

A guest lecture organized by CET with Professor 周质平 (Zhōu Zhìpíng) from the Department of East Asian Languages at Princeton University. He discussed script and writing reforms in China, providing valuable insights into the historical and modern developments of Chinese writing.

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High Speed Train

CET friends on the 高铁 (gāotiě – high-speed train) reaching speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, going to 成都 (Chéngdū) for a 5-day CET academic excursion! It was an exciting journey filled with anticipation for the learning and experiences ahead. Chengdu, known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine, was the perfect destination for our adventure.

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Exploring Chendgu

Me and my friends with our 成都 (Chéngdū) 语伴 (yǔbàn – language partner) at the iconic giant panda in IFS Chengdu. Exploring the city and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Sichuan was an unforgettable experience. Chengdu is famous for its giant pandas, as it is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a world-renowned conservation and breeding facility dedicated to protecting this endangered species.

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Dufu’s Thatched Cottage

Visiting 杜甫草堂 (Dùfǔ Cǎotáng – Dufu’s Thatched Cottage), the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu. Known for his profound and reflective poetry, Du Fu is considered one of China’s greatest poets. We learned about his poems in class and explored the cultural significance of his work to the region. This site, nestled in a beautiful park, provided a deeper understanding of his impact and the historical context of his poetry.

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Traditional Chinese Clothing

CET classmates trying on 汉服 (hànfú – traditional Chinese clothing) from different dynasties at the Embroidery Museum in 成都 (Chéngdū). It was fascinating to experience the intricate designs and rich history of Chinese textiles and fashion.

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Matchmaking Corner in People’s Park

This is the matchmaking corner in 人民公园 (Rénmín Gōngyuán – People’s Park) in 成都 (Chéngdū). Parents and grandparents gather here to post information about their unmarried children, hoping to find suitable matches for them. This traditional practice reflects the cultural importance of marriage and family in Chinese society, and it’s fascinating to witness this unique aspect of local life.

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Sichuan Hotpot

Here me and my friends are trying out 火锅 (huǒguō – hotpot) at the CET sponsored lunch during the excursion to 成都 (Chéngdū). Hotpot is a popular Chinese dish where you cook a variety of ingredients in a simmering pot of broth right at the table. Sichuan hotpot is especially famous for its spicy and numbing flavors, thanks to chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. This meal was a delicious and authentic way to experience the bold and vibrant cuisine of Sichuan.

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Giant Panda at Panda Valley

A picture of a 大熊猫 (dàxióngmāo – giant panda) at the 大熊猫谷 (Dàxióngmāo Gǔ – Panda Valley). This was the highlight of our excursion to 成都 (Chéngdū). The giant panda’s cuteness is undeniable, and Chengdu is renowned for being one of the few places where these beloved animals still live in the wild. The city is home to significant conservation efforts aimed at protecting and preserving the giant panda population.