Magnificent! Spectacular! Wow! Some words to describe the experience today as we visited a section of the Great Wall of China. To tour this section we took at 5 minute gondola ride to a certain point on the Wall and then hiked a bit and took in the incredible views while admiring this 700+ yr old mind-boggling architectural feat!
Approaching our hike of the Great Wall
More fun and unique experiences awaited us on our fourth day in Beijing. We started our day with a comprehensive lecture by Professor Wang Yingjie of Beijing Normal University. His remarks focused on the Chinese Education System and the need for reforms based on current economic and social trends. Once major concern–with the fast pace of development within China the current generation has embraced a value system connected with materialism opposing the traditional values and merits of hard work and frugality.
We had an excellent lunch in one of the university’s restaurants. After our stop here we visited a local shopping center and then prepared for a unique evening with a Huotong Tour and dinner at a local resident’s home.
The Huotong Tour included a ride on a rickshaw (two person carriage taxi-bike), a delicious dinner at a local resident’s home, entertainment (karioke Chinese style with a little of John Denver’s Country Road mixed in for fun!)
Our Rickshaw Driver - We appreciated the Really Unique Experience!
Having Fun with our Host during our dinner - He is a master at Kung Fu
This was another truly memorable day as we explored the contrast between two Chinese schools: Beijing National Day School–one of the preeminent public schools in Beijing and Longhai School–one of many privately funded migrant schools for students.
The National Day school offered us a unique insight into life for students at a top tier institution. We were favored with a personal tour of the facilities by student ambassadors–in my case, Nancy–a senior 1 year (10th grader in the U.S.). She did a great job talking about both the school and her hopes and dreams. Currently she is pursuing a goal to serve as a physics teacher/professor and attend Peking University in Beijing. She is involved at her school with the Model United Nations program and also enjoys playing badmitten, volleyball, and table tennis. She enjoys her time with her family, going to the movies with friends, and playing video games. Her school day runs from 7:30 AM – 5:20 PM with just over an hour lunch break. This time also includes self-study–which is independent time to work on homework or pursue other areas of interest. We c0mpleted our experience by enjoying a “school lunch” –which, Nancy informed me, did not contain the normal offerings she has each day. Instead our gracious hosts provided a truly delicious and wide variety of local tasty dishes.
Morning Exercises for the Student Body at Beijing National Day School
Nancy--student Ambassador and my personal guide during the tour of Beijing National Day School
We then made our trip to the outskirts of Beijing and visited the Longhai School–a K-9, 1,200 student school established for migrant children (that is, students who normally reside in rural areas who are now living in the city). This experience, similar to Pangliu School, provided an in depth look at schooling within highly restricted funding and resources. Still, the level of commitment from the administration, board chairman, faculty, and students left us inspired as there was great enthusiasm and confidence shared by all. In fact, hard work and clear vision seem to serve as the themes of this school–as the resources, facilities, potential government closure, and other challenges faced by the students and staff may seem overwhelming but were and are not insurmountable obstacles to overcome in the pursuit of education for all. This school provides yet another example of the power of the community to organize and offer educational services for ALL of their students. In addition, it attests to the importance of leadership and how the resilient resolve of a pair of principals is guiding the school forward.
Without a doubt the school is in desparate need of a host of resources–books, facilities, funding, professional development for teachers, etc. and future opportunities are available to “lend a hand” of support.
Visiting with students at Longhai School in Beijing
Preparing for school lunch at the Longhai School
Both experiences today shine a bright light on the human condition and the power we have, as we work together, to move forward regardless of the obstacles we may face. The challenges faced by students at the National Day School were meeting the high level of expectations to enter into the most prestigous colleges/universities in the country or the world. Whereas the challenges faced by students at Longhai school were receiving an education that would help them improve their quality of life and open up doors of opportunity to continue their studies beyond high school. The great equalizer for both sets of students was engaging in their learning–or receiving an education.
Visiting these schools also reminds us that poverty, economic prosperity, social class distinctions, and equity are all social issues still alive and needing attention by governments and individual citizens alike throughout the world.
We began our Beijing Activities at the Chinese Ministry of Education (comparable to our U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC). Dr. Li Renzhu provided us with a presentation about the structure of the Chinese Education System. Specific details were provided about the various levels within the system as well as how students progress from the education system into the job market. As well, a separate presentation highlighted the massive student migrations within China. In 2009 an estimated 211 million students migrated from rural villages to city centers throughout the country. This has lead to unique challenges and opportunities for the city education systems.
Presentation at the Chinese Ministry of Education
After a great lunch we headed for a tour of Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. Both of these sites are considered national treasures for the citizens of China. The visit of the Square included the experience of watching top Chinese officials welcome dignitaries from Brazil. As well, we took a fun group photo and talked about the significance of the events that occurred during the student uprising decades ago.
Visiting the World Famous Tian'anmen Square
The 600+ year old Forbidden City is truly a remarkable landmark and museum of ancient China. Rich with history, legend, and cultural heritage–our slow walk through the city provided us with a comprehensive understanding about Chinese architecture, ancient Governance practices, and modern responses to this city museum. We were amazed at its mixture of simplicity and highly detailed and crafted architectural features. The photos provide only a glimpse of this cultural wonder.
Touring the Wonders of The Forbidden City
The Imperial Gardens inside the Forbidden City
Today we said good-bye to our friends and experience in Xi’an and traveled to Beijing for the next leg of our visit. We enjoyed dinner with administrators from Ohio and the New England area. This week begins a series of lectures and seminars about Chinese education followed each day by visits to local cultural events/locations. These will include trips to Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. We will also visit Longhai School and Beijing Normal University.
A unique experience awaited us at Pangliu Rural Elementary School. Located about an hour’s drive from Xi’an, this school opened our minds and hearts to the wonderful people of this village. The villages’ main working establishments include a brick-making “factory” and farming. Our first visit was to the brick-making “factory”–actually, the “factory” was a machine that was used to form and cut clay into brick shapes. Workers then transported these clay bricks to a drying area. After drying for a certain number of days these clay bricks were placed in a huge kiln where these were loaded and fired. After the firing, the bricks were stacked and ready to be sold.
Building Bricks in Pangliu Village
We then took a tour of the school. Remarkable experience as we interacted with the principal, local village councilman, and a group of students who were asked to return on a Sunday! This was a special moment for all of us–the students were amazing as they welcomed us with their band, sang B-I-N-G-O, received treats and gifts from the delegation, and talked with us in English.
Connecting with Students at Pangliu Rural School
Lunch was a feast at a local villager’s home–our gracious host provided delicious noodles, vegetables, and other local cuisine. We were all so grateful! A typical villagers’ workday is from sunrise to sunset–they stop during the winter because it is too cold outside to make the bricks.
Lunch provided by our Gracious Hosts at Pangliu Village
Overall this was an experience that was and is difficult to put into words…it was inspiring…humbling…and gave great perspective to what matters in life and what we call work and what it means to make a living and what education means to a group of people. We felt so grateful for the opportunity to interact and learn about a group of people working so diligently–with all their might– to provide for their needs and the needs of their future–their children. Our tour guide, Richard, actually was born and raised in this village. He has worked tirelessly over the years to give back in any way he can to provide the next generation of children more choices and opportunities to grow and prosper. We thank Richard, the citizens, and students of Pangliu for their wonderful hospitality and enriching learning experience. I will never forget — Thank You!
The highlight of today was the exploration of the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum. The pictures actually do little justice to this breathtaking sight. Found by farmers while digging a well in the early 1970′s this archeological find has become emblematic of the Chinese culture. The first emperor of the middle kingdom (China), at the age of 13 years of age had this constructed over a 30+ year period by over 700,000 workers. The burial sight boasts 500 pits with 3 pits claiming about 8,000 warriors. When constructed these warriors were colorfully painted and unique in form and facial features. In addition to the warriors, the army included generals, captains, infantry, longbow archers, horses, and chariots. Each of the warriors depicted below needed to be rebuilt as a peasant revolt and subsequent vandalism of the tomb left little warriors intact. What’s truly remarkable is that Chinese archeologists were able to put these structures back together–piece by piece. Wow! What a sight!
Terra Cotta Warriors Guard an Ancient Emperor's Tomb
In the background, warriors–which were rebuilt –await placement in the tomb.
Terra Cotta Warriors Awaiting Placement in the Tomb
Our group of administrators from Ohio and New England began the tour of the city with some entertainment and early morning exercise at the City Wall.
Ceremonially Dressed Dancers and Musicians welcome us to Xi'an's City Wall
Upon arrival we were treated with a short musical and dance presentation. After the presentation we took a 10 mile bike ride around the city. We traveled on top of an 600+ year old wall that was built by former emperors to protect the city.
The Xi'an City Wall Bike Tour
We finished the bike tour in about 1.5 hours–Fellow administrators Kirk Hamilton, Bill Young, Louise Mason, and I stopped for a group picture. We all enjoyed the experience together.
Xi'an City Wall Bike Tour Team
Good morning Xi’an! I chose to begin the day with a walk/run in the city. It was a bright and beautiful morning–the sun was shining and the air was crisp. As I made my way into the city I took in the sights and sounds of Xi’an waking up to a new day. Many people were on their way to work, school, and other activities. The public bus system is highly used in this city as are a variety of other means of getting to one’s destination–walking, bikes, scooters, and cars.
Unfortunately, I did not pack my camera–the two notable events: many individuals have public sanitation jobs where they sweep the streets and sidewalks. At one point during my walk, I turned the corner and a sanitation worker was cleaning a blue metal wall that was used to separate the sidewalk from a construction area. He was using a mop to carefully clean the wall which extended about 20-30 feet along the sidewalk.
The other event involved stopping to watch one of the street vendors prepare an early morning breakfast for two hungry workers. The crafty street chef placed what looked like a giant size burrito on a large round skillet. After smothering the burrito with a mixture of egg yolk and egg white he carefully flipped this over. On this new side he placed some spices in the middle and then, using a brush, painted the surface with a thick tar-like substance. He flipped this over again. Now, with the egg side cooked a co-worked placed some lettuce leaves and, what looked like, fresh made “tortilla chips” in the center. He then rolled his creation together and walla! The Chinese version of “breakfast burrito” was born!
The trip to China began on Wednesday, April 6th with rising at 4 AM and catching a flight from Cincinnati to Chicago. After a four hour layover in Chicago I departed for Beijing and arrived on Thursday, April 7th at 3 PM local time. We then made our connecting flight to Xi’an and arrived at 10 PM. So, in total, after about 30 hours of traveling we made it to our destination.
On our trip to the hotel we were unable to see much of the area since it was very dark. The hotel accommodations are very nice. I am rooming with Dr. Kirk Hamilton, Executive Director of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. After calling home and unpacking the day ended at about 12:30 AM. We were happy to know that our activities tomorrow (Friday, April 8th) would not begin until 10 AM.
It was a very interesting experience leaving on a Wednesday and “losing” two days for travel. The adventure in Xi’an begins in the morning!