Building Global Connections: China Study Tour Expands Horizons for St Augustine’s College Students

During the recent school holidays, a group of St Augustine’s College students and staff embarked on an unforgettable cultural and educational journey across China. The China Study Tour was not only a chance to explore some of the country’s most iconic sites, but also to strengthen our friendship ties with local schools, build language skills, and deepen our understanding of China’s diverse cultures and traditions.

Exploring Culture in Yunnan Province

The adventure began in Kunming, the vibrant capital of Yunnan Province. Students visited the peaceful Yuantong Zen Buddhist Temple and spent time at Green Lake Park, which was beautiful and leafy, and alive with paddle boats, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. The evening atmosphere of Double Bridge Village night market, with its lantern-lit alleys and unfamiliar delicacies, brought a real sense of local life.

The group then travelled to Jianshui County to visit the UNESCO-listed Confucius Temple, the second-largest in China. Sitting beside the “Lake of Knowledge,” students reflected on the spirit of lifelong learning - a value shared by both Confucian and Augustinian philosophies.

Immersed in Tradition with the Hani People

Whilst still in Yuanyang County, students crossed the Red River to witness the terraced rice fields, home to the Hani ethnic minority. The Hani people have been living in and farming on these mountainous terraces for more than a thousand years. (What a serene moment it was to watch the sunrise over the terraced fields!)

From there, the group travelled to Mojiang County, where St Augustine’s College has long-standing friendship ties with Mojiang No.1 Senior Middle School and Minzu Nationalities Junior Middle School. Over five days, students took part in cultural exchanges, taught English, and formed lasting friendships. Their celebrity-like welcome culminated in a spirited basketball match against one of China’s top-ranked school teams - an experience full of fun, laughter, and humility.

Urban Landscapes and Ancient Wonders

Next stop: Chengdu, the lively capital of Sichuan Province. Despite being home to more than 21 million people, the city is known for its relaxed pace, green parks, and vibrant arts scene. Students explored sites like the ancient Dujiangyan Irrigation System (dating back to 256 BC), the sacred Emei Mountain, and the internationally renowned Panda Breeding Research Base.

The tour concluded in Beijing with visits to some of China’s most famous landmarks: the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Here, students had the opportunity to put their language learning into practice - ordering meals, bargaining in markets, and navigating a new culture with growing confidence.

Why Language and Cultural Exchange Matter

This immersive experience helped students see the value of studying Chinese, not just as a subject, but as a pathway to understanding Australia’s place in the world. Whether through tourism, trade, or education, our proximity to Asia makes cultural literacy and language skills more relevant than ever.

The China Study Tour highlighted the power of shared experiences in building respect, empathy, and lasting friendships. The memories and lessons from this journey will continue to shape our students as global citizens - curious, compassionate, and confident in engaging with the world.