In the month of March, the long-awaited “Cultural Walk” course in Shaoxing finally commenced for seventh-grade students. Adhering to the educational philosophy of “Read more, walk more” and the spirit of exploration, the course follows the approach of “research-based learning”, connecting textbooks, classrooms, and daily life. Starting from interactive experiences in science, geography, history, and humanities, students integrated learning and research, basked in the spring breeze of Shaoxing, followed the books into the mountains and waters of Shaoxing, and spent an unforgettable three-day cultural journey.
Shaoxing, a historical city, has many faces, such as an ancient capital, bridge capital, wine capital, calligraphy holy land, famous people’s hometown, Tang poetry road, scenic spots, and the hometown of Chinese opera. This time, seventh-grade students set out with their textbooks and appreciated the Wu and Yue culture, the Wei and Jin elegance, the Tang and Song style, and the Republican spirit of Shaoxing, walking along the glittering cultural belt and gaining tangible gains.
Day1
“In the distance, the spring trees connect with Yan Zilai, and white clouds linger on the Yuewang Platform.” On the first day of the “cultural walking” journey, we first stepped onto the “Yuewang Platform”. In touching the mottled ancient wall, we gathered many thoughts; in wandering through the long river of time, we gained a unique and remarkable experience. Walking through the ancient city, we measured the thickness and width of history with our footsteps.
Here, we felt the unique temperament of Shaoxing’s Yue Kingdom capital. Standing on the top floor of Wanghai Pavilion, overlooking the entire city of Shaoxing, the hustle and bustle of the Wu and Yue dynasties seemed to be right in front of us. Through exploring the changes and victories of Wu and Yue, the landscape and culture, the students truly experienced the meaning of study and exploration.
Walking on the road, we could see the past of history and hear the voice of history. The students learned and thought while walking and left behind thoughtful walking journals through active interactions during the evening class.
Day2
The second day was a day that left countless memories. Dressed in traditional Han costumes, we visited Shen Garden, Lu Xun’s former residence, Lanting Pavilion, and then back to Shen Garden. The misty rain of the Jiangnan region accompanied us as we walked, watched, listened, studied, and experienced. Through immersive experiences, we admired the vastness of the universe, the richness of different cultures, listened to the wisdom of sages, and appreciated the charm of the ancient Yue city.
A poem “Chaitou Feng” from Shen Garden brought us into the patriotism of the famous Chinese poet Lu You.
Every little detail of Lu Xun’s former residence reminded us of his works and his ideals.
The flowing water and the toasting of Lanting Pavilion immersed us in the elegance of Wei and Jin dynasties, and we were reluctant to leave.
From the elegance of Wei and Jin dynasties, to the culture of Tang and Song dynasties, and to the spirit of the Republic of China, it was a day full of gains. The exciting course combined learning with fun, leaving us intoxicated.
Day3
With wine, water, bridges, books, poems, and plays all around us, which one truly embodies the essence of Shaoxing’s culture? As we continued our study tour, we arrived at the Ke Yan Scenic Area and walked along Mirror Lake, re-experiencing the ancient waterway and the wisdom of the people who navigated it.
Walking through Lu Town, we re-examined the appearance of Lu Town as described by Lu Xun and pondered his thoughts. The mobile classroom by the shore of Jianhu Lake marked the successful conclusion of our three-day study tour in Shaoxing.
