On April 17th, 3 teachers and 10 senior high students from Beach City Virginia Takagi School’s “Confucius class” came to Harbin to carry out a week-long exchange. They enter kind-hearted families of Harbin and live with Chinese students.

Experience Chinese Traditional Tulture

“Smell its fragrance, see its color and taste its flavor. Drink from the cup 3 times; sip 3 times.” American teachers and students learned Chinese tea culture in the teahouse. Tea specialists were explaining the key points of tasting oolong tea while the students were taking delight in doing this according to the tea specialists.

When they paid respects to the image of Confucius, the American Confucius class students saluted his image. The students listened to Chinese teachers with an open mind. Paul could not help sighing with emotion: “China has a very mysterious feel to it”. I have came here to study for the first time. I have found China is full of mysteries, ancient and modern.” Paul said he knew Confucius was one of the most important people in Chinese history. This trip to China lets him know the feudal ethical code and kindheartedness that Confucius advocates.

Fall in love with Chinese food

Morey said, it was her impression that Chinese people only only ate rice. “The variety of food here is really an eye-opener.” When the students were eating charcoal hot pot, they were astonished to see the copper pot used for soup. “Chinese food is tasty and fun.”

Xiaoleng lived in the home of Ouyang Xiang. Ouyang Xiang’s father was worried that Xiaoleng would not get used to living here. He prepared western food for Xiaoleng, but Xiaoleng said “I don’t want western food. I love Chinese food.”

7-day exchange came to and end on April 25th. Chinese families saw off their American friends, they hugged and said goodbye to each other. According to Fu Lei, the principal of this activity, the American teachers and students’ impression of China moved from books and into the real world. The students have a more complete understanding of Confucius and sinology, thanks to this trip. This kind of experience is also unforgettable for the Chinese children.