By Ma Sen, Student of Breck School
Every few years, high school students enrolled in the Chinese language program at Breck School in Minnesota, USA, are invited to visit China to immerse themselves in Chinese culture while practicing their conversational Chinese in real-world settings beyond the classroom. This year, 38 Breck juniors and seniors with varying levels of Chinese proficiency participated in this ten-day trip.
On May 18, 2025, back in Minnesota, the students boarded their Sichuan Airlines flight to begin their journey with three days in Chengdu, located in the heart of Sichuan province.
After completing the roughly 15-hour flight, the Breck students stepped into the distinctively warm air of China—a stark contrast to the cold Minnesota weather. Once through the airport, the students were greeted by their tour guides. They were driven to their hotel while learning about traffic rules and expectations in China, which differ greatly from those in Minnesota. Upon arriving, the tour guides introduced them to Chengdu phrases, music, and geography. For many, this marked the first time they practiced speaking Chinese with native speakers in-country.
Though still exhausted from the long plane ride, the students began their exploration with a visit to Du Fu Thatched Cottage. Here, they encountered their first traditional Chinese architecture of the trip, learning about the Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu and the cottage where he lived for about four years. After walking the grounds and taking photos of the beautiful structures and statues, the students each recorded a recitation of Du Fu’s poem “春夜喜雨”—a piece they had memorized in preparation for the trip.
Breck Students and Faculty at Du Fu Thatched Cottage
After leaving the historical site, the group enjoyed their first Sichuan meal, sampling the region’s famous spices and experiencing family-style dining—uncommon in the U.S. During the meal, they watched a long-spout tea pouring performance and an impressive face-changing (变脸) performance. Reenergized, the students visited a Sichuan opera venue where they learned about the historical significance of the masks used in performances like 变脸, as well as the symbolic meanings behind various mask colors and patterns. Students then painted their own masks and were later dressed in traditional Sichuan opera clothing. A flavorful dinner preceded an hour-long evening performance including puppetry, face changing, and other Sichuan opera acts. After the show, everyone returned to the hotel for a long-awaited sleep.
Breck Students Dress in Sichuan Opera Clothing
The next morning, the students visited a Chengdu panda base, where many saw a giant panda for the first time. After observing the pandas eat, sleep, and roam, they headed to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. There, they learned to cook Kung Pao chicken and red bean buns shaped like pandas, and also observed the processes behind making soy sauce and the signature Sichuan chili oil. After enjoying a meal at the museum, the students explored Jinli Street, shopped for souvenirs, and used their Chinese skills to bargain—a skill they’d mastered back in their school’s Chinese classes. They later reunited for a lively hot pot dinner.
The following day, the group visited the Pu Jiang Cheng Jia tea area to pick tea leaves. Wearing straw hats and aprons, the students learned how to pick the best leaves, watched a tea master heat the leaves in a wok, and got to crush the leaves themselves to break the cell walls; these are all steps necessary in preparing the tea leaves for use. After lunch, they were taught the gongfu tea preparation method and practiced using long-spout teapots. Later, students participated in a lively and energetic square dancing session.
Breck Students Pick Tea Leaves at Pu Jiang Cheng Jia Tea Area
Students woke up early the next morning to take the high-speed train to Xi’an, the second city on their itinerary. After their first lunch in Xi’an, the students rented bikes to ride along the Xi’an City Wall. Next, they visited Shu Yuan culture street and the Muslim Quarters to shop and further practice their bargaining skills. After dinner nearby, they spent the rest of the night exploring the energetic Muslim Quarters.
Breck Students Bike on Xi’an City Wall
The next day began with a trip to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where the students learned about Buddhism and the Tang Dynasty. Next, the students toured a ceramic factory where miniature versions of the Terracotta Warriors were being carved. This destination provided helpful context for the students before they later visited the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, where they got to see the original Terracotta Army. That evening, after a dinner of dumplings, they explored the Great Tang Night City, buying late-night snacks like tanghulu.
The next morning, the group visited the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi’an Museum to see ancient artifacts and art. Afterwards, they headed over to the train station to board the high-speed train to Beijing, the final city of the trip. In Beijing, the students stayed in the dormitories of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ). RDFZ and Breck School have had a strong relationship since 2008. Each year, RDFZ students visit Breck to share performances of dance, music, martial arts, and more—and Breck has also sent students to RDFZ, such as this group of 38.
RDFZ students and school leaders visited Breck in January 2025 (Photo courtesy of Breck School)
After a night in the dorms, the students toured the RDFZ campus and met the Head of School, Ms. Liu. Each Breck student was then paired with an RDFZ student to attend morning classes, practice conversational Chinese, and develop meaningful friendships. After lunch, they presented to their RDFZ partners, in Chinese, about their experiences in Chengdu and Xi’an. After saying temporary goodbyes, the students went to an exciting VR class, then joined a kung fu session outdoors before visiting Classin, a company where the dad of an RDFZ student who will attend Breck next year works.
Breck Students Talk With RDFZ Students About Their Trip
The next day, the students visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven with their tour guides. After seeing these three destinations, they went to Houhai Park to walk across the Yinding Bridge and visit more local shops.
Unfortunately, the following day marked the end of the trip. The group visited Juyong pass, a popular section of the Great Wall. Students climbed the wall, grasping onto stunning views from the mountains. Exhausted from the demanding task of climbing under the beaming sun, the students gathered for their final lunch in China on the trip. Then, everyone went to Beijing’s Hongqiao market to bargain for gifts and souvenirs for the last time. After dinner, everyone was excited to meet with their RDFZ partners for one last time on the trip.
Breck Students Congregate Before Climbing the Great Wall
Bright and early the next morning, the Breck students said their goodbyes to China as they boarded their flight home. But for many, this trip will not be the end of their journey with China. Inspired by the people they met, the places they visited, and the language they spoke, these students returned home with a newly developed appreciation and passion for Chinese language and culture. Some are even hoping to now pursue study-abroad programs or international careers—and everyone will cherish the memories and connections they developed for a lifetime.
(All photos courtesy of Ma Sen (马森), except for one from Breck School)