On the 22nd of July 10 Students from Years 9-12 embarked on a journey to the central north city of Xing Xiang.

After fare-welling our loved ones we boarded the plane for our direct flight to Guangzhou airport where we would then take a domestic flight to Xing Xiang.  Guangzhou Airport was massive with literally kilometers of buildings and terminals to navigate around. Having successfully found our gate we had a relatively short flight to Xing Xiang. 

We were picked up at the airport by Sophie and whisked off to our Hotel. We freshened up and were taken out for our first of many amazing dinners of authentic Chinese foods. Having gorged ourselves we thought a quick walk around the local area might be a good idea and a chance to meet some locals. Luckily for us we had a park nearby with plenty of people of all ages exercising and socializing. We were particularly intrigued by an elder man cracking a whip. Mr Cooper caught his eye and he offered him a chance to have a go. Unfortunately this wasn't as successful as he would have liked and he was lucky not to take an eye out. Oliver Graham managed to make some friends on the Basketball courts and the rest of the students saw some group dancing being undertaken by some elderly ladies. 

The next day we visited the school we would be having our classes in and were blown away by the size of the school and just how hot it was going to be in the classrooms. The Principal of Xing Xiang No 1 Middle School was very hospitable and proud of his school showing us pictures of Chairman Mau who had visited the school.  

The following day we had the official opening of the educational camp in the morning which had a number of local dignitaries making speeches about the importance of developing networks across the world to become global citizens. This started the very hectic 8 days of school for the students and teachers. The first lesson of each day was a Chinese cultural experience. These included Kung Fu, Calligraphy, Tea Ceremonies, Chinese Opera, and a famous Chinese artist Ming Zan who gifted the school a fan he painted during his class. 

The second two classes were run by the teachers from Oxford and England along the themes of Leadership, Drama and Steam. Lunch was for an hour and a half where we shared lunch with the 100 Chinese students and teachers. 

After lunch we got to play Basketball with the students in 40 degree heat with 60% humidity, needless to say the sweat was pouring from all participants and did not stop for the rest of the day. Afternoon sessions ran until 4.30 pm, run by the activity leaders from England and supported by the teachers. These included a fashion show from recycled materials, making friendship bracelets, and balloon activities. 

Every evening we would be taken to a new Restaurant by our agents and activities such as Karaoke, going to malls and walking around old amusement parks. Our time in Xing Xiang went so quickly and the students formed great friendships with the students, making it hard to leave.  

At the closing ceremony each group put on a performance and our school performed E Tonu Nga Mea to share part of our culture. The Chinese students were very generous and gave our students and staff farewell gifts and were very emotional to see us leave, as we all were.

The next day we traveled by Bullet Train to Beijing. We were picked up at the train station by Fiona who took us out for lunch then straight off to Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden city. What an experience to see the share size of the place and the amount of ambition and hard work it would have taken to create such a structure. 

We walked the Great Wall of China, a highlight for most of the tourists. We split up into two groups, Mr Riach and Mr Cooper with the  students wanting to take on the steeper part and Mrs Taylor with those looking for a more sedate walk. Both groups had an amazing time and met back up at the gift shop for a well deserved ice-cream. We then took off to the Summer Palace where again we were blown away by the amazing architecture and size of the place. Feeling adventurous we hired paddle boats and circumnavigated the Island while Mr Riach took the more sensible diesel powered boat. The next day we went to the Temple of Heaven and the Pearl market to try our bartering skills. It was frenetic and the students were ruthless and came away with many amazing deals and great gifts for their families. 

On the final day we went to an authentic Chinese street where they were selling interesting food items. Tarantulas, scorpions, crickets, spiders and dry ice drinks were sampled by the adventurous students. From there we were off to the Beijing Airport for our long flight home including a stop-off in Guangzhou and Auckland Airports before finally arriving home. 

We were so well looked after in China by our agents Edward and Benjamin who really bent over backwards to ensure we experienced authentic Chinese food and activities. 

I would to thank Mrs Inch who did an amazing job organizing the fundraising and purchasing of travel tops and hoodies for the trip. I would like to thank the teachers, Mr Riach and Mrs Taylor for all their work and help across the 16 days - they were absolute stars. I would like to also thank the 10 students we took away who got involved in all activities and kept a positive attitude throughout even when the weather was crazy hot and the air conditioner didn't work and the water was hot. Last but most definitely not least a big thank you to the parents who supported their students to get there in such a short time frame. This was a once in a lifetime experience and if you have the opportunity, grasp it with both hands, you will not be disappointed.