Overseas Learning Journey to Nanjing, China

Relive the highlights of a 4-day learning trip to Nanjing, where students explored Chinese history, culture, and made new friends at a partner school.

Last updated on 26 August 2026

To develop 21st century competencies, a group of 20 students and 5 teachers went on a 4-day overseas learning journey to Nanjing, China. The students were excited to finally meet their pen pals in person. Upon arrival, the group received a warm welcome from the staff and students of East Beijing Primary School. During their time there, they participated in a variety of interactive activities and had many opportunities to connect with peers from different cultural backgrounds.

Highlights of the visit included a storytelling session, hands-on Chinese brush painting where they decorated handheld fans with peony designs, and even some fun physical activities like rope skipping. “It was my first time attempting to paint using a Chinese paintbrush. The teacher was very patient and taught me the correct way of holding the brush. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was able to draw out a peony flower!” commented Krystal from 5 Opal.

Students from Blangah Rise Primary School pose with a banner at Nanjing East Beijing Road Primary School during a cultural trip.

Two young boys in school uniforms paint on white paper shapes at a desk with brushes and a green bucket nearby.

Two children jump rope in a school gym while uniformed students watch from the background.

A boy holds a microphone while an adult and another child stand nearby in front of Chinese text on screens.

Two young girls in school uniforms read printed papers together, seated among other children with Chinese name placards.

Several school children in uniforms hold colorful interlocking plastic tubes during an event with Chinese text on a banner.

A group of children in matching white shirts perform a choir in front of a screen displaying Chinese and English lyrics.

Since learning takes place out of the classrooms, students had the opportunity to visit several renowned sites, including the Museum of Paleontology. They learnt about prehistoric animals and even saw real dinosaur egg fossils. They also explored an insect museum, where they deepened their understanding of various insect life cycles and enjoyed close-up interactions with the insects themselves.

A group of about 20 children with lanyards pose in front of a large dinosaur skeleton exhibit in a museum.

Two young girls smile indoors as one holds a orange lizard in her hands, with an adult standing behind them.

A boy in a white school uniform gives a thumbs up with a ball python draped around his neck at a nature exhibit.

Three children smile while holding a large millipede in their hands inside an insect museum with display cases.

A young child looks closely at a glass enclosure containing dry leaves, branches, and sandy substrate with an info sign.

To learn more about China's rich history, the students visited the Gate of China, where they admired the centuries-old architectural masterpiece. They also explored the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where they gained insights about the life and contributions of Sun Yat-sen — a renowned physician, revolutionary leader, statesman, and political thinker who founded the Republic of China. “This trip has broadened my horizons and given me the opportunity to learn more about the Chinese history and got me interested to find out more about the contributions of Dr Sun. I will now make use of my free time in the weekend to read up more on the history of China.” said Judah from 5 Topaz.

A group of people with backpacks climbing wide stone stairs along an ancient stone wall under a cloudy sky.

A group of children in white uniforms pose before a large ancient Chinese stone gate with an arched entrance.

Group of school children in uniforms holding a banner reading Blangah Rise Primary School Cultural Immersion Trip, Nanjing China.

This overseas learning journey not only strengthened our ties with our partner school but also provided our students with rich, immersive experiences that deepened their understanding of Chinese history and culture. It was truly an enriching learning experience which would be etched in our students’ and teachers’ minds for a long time.