Introduction
During their trip to Beijing, students and a professor from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) immersed themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of China. From exploring iconic landmarks like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City to taking part in traditional activities like tea ceremonies and dumpling-making, every moment brought them closer to understanding the heart of Chinese heritage. Beyond the historical experiences, the group explored modern China by visiting prominent businesses and prestigious universities, gaining valuable insights into the country’s economic development and academic achievements. This multifaceted journey offered a deep understanding of both China’s dynamic present and its storied past.
Memorable Visits to Historical Landmarks in Beijing
To make the visit even more meaningful, TBC arranged for Tony, a seasoned local guide with over ten years of experience working with the program, to lead the tour. Tony, a native of Beijing, captivated the students with his engaging storytelling and deep knowledge of the landmarks, shedding light on their importance in Chinese history.
During a quick refreshment stop inside the Forbidden City, the students practiced their Chinese by ordering drinks from the staff. Of the eight students, half had a solid grasp of the language, while the others were enthusiastic learners. One student, Michael, couldn’t hide his excitement after successfully placing his order, shouting, “YES! I did it!” The group’s energy soared when they tried Chinese kumquat lemon tea for the first time, with cheerful shouts of “Woo, it’s super good!” filling the air.
Ms. Li provided each student with a blank snuff bottle, complete with a lotus outline on the front and a blank back for personal designs. However, the task proved to be quite challenging. Any mistake required careful correction using a cotton swab inserted into the tiny opening of the bottle, a process Ms. Li explained could take months of practice to master. She also shared how fewer people are learning this delicate art, as mass-produced versions have become popular tourist souvenirs.
Despite the difficulty, the students poured their creativity into their first attempts. Some added watercolor backgrounds to the lotus design, while others painted entire flowering trees and birds. The once-uniform bottles were transformed into unique works of art, reflecting each student’s personal touch.
In the evening, the group wandered through Nanluoguxiang, a historic street dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Now a popular tourist spot, the area is known for its charming shops and stalls offering classic Beijing snacks, drinks, and handmade crafts. Some students indulged in sour plum soup and local pastries, while others carefully picked out souvenirs to take home to family and friends.
During the tour, their guide brought them to the square in front of the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (仁寿殿), where a bronze unicorn sculpture immediately caught their attention. The guide encouraged the group to take a closer look at the intricate details, like the dragon head, antlers, and fish-like body, and challenged them to guess how many mythical creatures were represented in its design.
Later, the students noticed locals practicing water calligraphy on the ground, a traditional art form that uses brushes dipped in water to create temporary inscriptions. Fascinated, they gave it a try themselves, carefully writing their Chinese names or favorite characters. This creative activity allowed them to leave their own fleeting mark on this historic site.
The group took a photo in front of the Confucius statue and examined the ancient steles. Although some inscriptions had faded with time, the engravings still conveyed a deep sense of history and tradition. At the Imperial College, the students were drawn to the statue of an ao (鳌), a mythical creature symbolizing success. The guide explained the tradition of touching the ao for good fortune, and the students eagerly lined up to take part in the ritual.
The final stop of the day was the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s most significant Buddhist sites. Visitors from all walks of life come here to offer incense and pay their respects to Buddha. Upon arriving, the students received incense sticks and learned about the prayer wheel and its symbolic meaning. For many, gazing up at the towering Maitreya Buddha statue inside the temple was a powerful experience that offered a unique glimpse into Buddhism’s role in Chinese culture.
After spending over an hour browsing and bargaining, the students proudly shared their purchases. Highlights included a two-meter-long Chinese painting bought by Sebastian and an English edition of Mao Zedong’s quotations picked up by Matthew and Jia.
Special Experiences in Traditional Cultural Activities
During the tea ceremony, Molly introduced five exquisite types of tea: Longjing, Anji White Tea, Taiping Houkui, Enshi Yulu, and Japanese Gyokuro. She explained each tea’s origin, flavor profile, and brewing techniques, sparking the students’ curiosity. As Molly demonstrated how to brew each type, the students got to try their hand at it, experimenting with the process and sharing their creations. The tea room was filled with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea, creating an atmosphere of connection and relaxation. This experience not only gave the students a deeper appreciation of Chinese tea culture but also strengthened the bonds between them as they enjoyed the tea together.
Following the tea class, the group moved to the school cafeteria for a dumpling-making session. Dumplings hold a special place in Chinese cuisine and are especially popular during traditional festivals like Chinese New Year. Guided by cafeteria chefs, the students learned to roll, fill, and shape dumplings, tackling the challenges of achieving the perfect size and balance.
Some students got creative, shaping dumplings to resemble Yuanbao (ancient Chinese currency), adding eyes and mouths, or even wrapping peanuts inside for good luck. Once cooked, their handmade dumplings became a delicious part of lunch, symbolizing the joy of learning and the warmth of shared experiences.
The highlight of the event was a cultural exchange between the two groups. A local child, speaking fluent English, gave a lively presentation about the Dragon Boat Festival, covering its origins, customs, and traditions. Her confidence and language skills impressed everyone, making her the star of the day. In return, the LMU students delivered a bilingual presentation on Halloween. Ryan spoke in English, while Erin and Jia translated into Chinese, sharing pictures of costumes, pumpkin carvings, and the “trick-or-treat” tradition, delighting the Chinese children with stories of American culture.
As part of the celebration, TBC also introduced the tradition of hanging five-colored threads and sachets, believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Both the students and children received these festive items, with sachets featuring traditional designs or zongzi shapes inscribed with blessings like “happiness” and “joy.” The event created unforgettable memories, bridging cultures through shared traditions and heartfelt moments.
Deep Immersion in Modern Enterprises and Academic Institutions
The students explored a scale model of the building, which showcased its different warehouses and functions. At the on-site museum, they were introduced to the evolution of delivery technology, including traditional trucks, drones, and autonomous delivery vehicles.
Throughout the tour, the guide stopped to explain Jingdong’s strategies for growth and innovation, while the group admired the “Wall of Fame,” which celebrated outstanding employees for their resilience, including those who worked in remote areas during the pandemic. The highlight of the visit was witnessing the real-time handling of packages, offering a fascinating glimpse into the company’s efficiency and technological prowess.
After the presentation, the students enjoyed a meal at one of the university’s cafeterias, experiencing the daily life of Peking University students. The tour continued to the campus’s famous lake, where the group took in the serene surroundings, snapped photos, and reflected on their enriching experience.
To be honest, I’d never planned to study in Beijing, or even to pursue studying Chinese. What I have had, however, is a lifelong appreciation for languages and cultures.
This past summer at The Beijing Center (TBC), students from Marquette University took TBC’s Chinese language courses for college credit. TBC’s program offers an intensive, immersive curriculum in the heart of Beijing.
This past summer in China, TBC connected students from Notre Dame School of Manhattan and Xavier High School with some of Beijing’s local elementary students. The young children were shy at first, but they eventually loved interacting with their new American friends.
Last summer, The Beijing Center (TBC) hosted Loyola Blakefield High School, Boston College High School, Xavier High School, and Notre Dame High School in China.