In early November, Grade 9 students journeyed to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province. Known for its rich heritage and culinary traditions, Chengdu offered a five-day itinerary that combined historical exploration, artistic expression, and cultural discovery.

Day 1: Poetry in Motion
The adventure began at Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, a sanctuary of classical Chinese literature. Students walked through serene gardens, studied Tang Dynasty poetry, and participated in a creative workshop where they transformed verses into visual art— an inspiring start that bridged language and imagination.

Day 2: Unearthing Ancient Civilisations
At the Sanxingdui Archaeological Site, students encountered the mysteries of China’s Bronze Age. Towering masks and intricate artefacts revealed the sophistication of early cultures.

Day 3: Culinary Arts and Performing Traditions
The Sichuan Cuisine Museum turned learning into tasting as students explored the origins of Sichuan flavours and cooked signature dishes. Later, they immersed themselves in Sichuan Opera, trying traditional makeup and learning about the dramatic art of face-changing— a cultural experience that was as colourful as it was memorable.

Day 4: Pandas and Engineering Marvels
At Dujiangyan Panda Valley, conservation science came alive. Students observed efforts to protect giant pandas and understood the ecological balance required for survival. The day continued at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old engineering wonder that still sustains millions- a lesson in sustainability and ingenuity.

Day 5: Seeds of Innovation
The trip concluded at the Yuan Longping Hybrid Rice Science & Technology Park, where students explored agricultural breakthroughs that combat global hunger. From threshing rice to grinding grain, they connected science with social responsibility.