Five Elliott Hudson College students were selected to join 64 students from across the GORSE Academies Trust on a remarkable 10-day cultural expedition to China – an opportunity designed to broaden global awareness, develop cultural understanding and give young people from Leeds an unforgettable insight into life beyond the UK.

Maya Shipham in Year 13 said “Going to China was an eye-opening experience for me. My cultural and historical knowledge has been expanded, all while getting the opportunity to try national dishes from multiple different regions of China. This trip has been an extension of my own inclination towards the country and has left me with the desire to learn so much more.”

Day 1 – Departure
The adventure began at London Heathrow, where excitement and anticipation filled the air. Students boarded their overnight flight to Beijing, eager to experience a culture completely different from their own.

Day 2 – First Look at Beijing
After landing in Beijing early the next morning, the group immediately began exploring. They wandered through the city’s historic Hutongs, narrow alleyways that reveal traditional life, before taking in beautiful lakeside views at dusk. A browse around local shops and a first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine rounded off a memorable first day.

Day 3 – Dumplings and Dynasties
Students began the day with a Chinese dumpling-making class, mastering the traditional folding techniques and sampling their creations. They then explored the magnificent Forbidden City, walking through vast courtyards and intricate palaces. The day ended with sweeping city views from Jingshan Park followed by dinner in a local noodle restaurant.

Day 4 – School Visit and Acrobatics
A highlight of the trip was the visit to Yungang Middle School, where the group took part in morning exercises and experienced lessons alongside Chinese students. The afternoon took them to the bustling Pearl Market for souvenir shopping, followed by an exhilarating Chinese acrobatics show and another delicious traditional meal.

Day 5 – The Great Wall
An early start led to an unforgettable hike along the Great Wall of China. The panoramic views provided a moment of awe for everyone involved. After lunch in a village below the Wall, students explored the Olympic Park and enjoyed a special Peking duck dinner to mark their final night in Beijing.

Day 6 – Xi’an City Walls and Muslim Quarter
A high-speed bullet train carried the group to Xi’an. After lunch, they explored the ancient city walls, walking and cycling along the top, before heading to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Here, students took part in a Mandarin scavenger hunt, sampled street food and soaked up the lively atmosphere.

Day 7 – Terracotta Warriors
Students first crafted their own clay warriors in a terracotta workshop, a perfect introduction to the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum. After visiting all three pits and marvelling at the thousands of ancient statues, they finished the day with a traditional Xi’an dinner.

Day 8 – Chengdu Culture
Upon arriving in Chengdu, the group visited Du Fu’s thatched cottage, followed by a hands-on calligraphy workshop where students produced their own scrolls. A traditional Chengdu hotpot dinner ended the day on a flavourful note.

Day 9 – Pandas, Kung Fu and Celebration
The final full day included a trip to the Chengdu Panda Research Centre, where students got close to China’s most iconic animals. After lunch, they took part in an outdoor kung fu class and a Chinese tea ceremony, before wrapping up the evening with a pizza and cake celebration for a student’s birthday.

This extraordinary experience has given Elliott Hudson students unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships and a powerful appreciation of global culture—an opportunity that will stay with them for years to come.