Pupils from the US learning martial arts in Zhongshan. [Photo by Li Xusheng]

A special "graduation ceremony" was held at the Primary School of China-Hong Kong English School (CHES) on June 18. A cultural exchange group of American pupils, organized by Sun Bisheng's daughter Sun Huizhen, concluded a week-long Chinese culture experience course. Each kid received a commemorative certificate and a gift for participation.

During the one-week experience course, the kids not only attended classes in Chinese with Chinese students, but also learned to make traditional Chinese dumplings, listened to Chinese folk music, practiced Chinese calligraphy and martial arts, and experienced the dragon and lion dance under the guidance of local masters.

Nia, a 9-year-old girl who has studied Chinese for 4 years, can talk in Chinese. But this was her first time coming to China. "I am very happy about this trip because it is my first personal experience of Chinese customs and culture. My favorite part was to learn to make dumplings, my favorite Chinese food. I think I will try to make some by myself in the future."

In addition to total immersion experience, the Family Day activity was also welcome among the exchange group members. According to Liao Lili, English Head Teacher of the Primary School of CHES, American children and their parents joined Chinese student families in home activities to experience their family atmosphere.

Long Xinying, a primary student of CHES, and her parents received a couple of US sisters Grace and Krystal. "They took us to Qijiang Park for art exhibition. We also experienced the city landscapes and tasted local cuisine," Grace said. The special Zhongshan cuisine and the warm reception of Long's family impressed the sisters most.

Nia's mother, who enjoyed her first visit to Zhongshan, had great interest in Zhongshan-made lighting products and rosewood furniture. "We have been to Dachong and Guzhen towns, where we saw exquisite rosewood furniture and impressive decorative lamps. I also took a lot of photos of this distinctive city."