A busy day to start tour experience week. With an early start of 6:30am at TIS, we managed to have a breakfast sandwich, check in and hop on our bus to Hengqin boarder at 7am. Once all students were through immigration point, we headed onto our long journey to Qingyuan. With a couple restroom breaks, we finally made it and stopped for a delicious lunch. After lunch, we all headed to the T3 Tea Plantation, where we learned about tea making, tea ceremonies, tea picking and even had a cheeky tea ice cream before heading to dinner! Dinner involved a delicious fig chicken soup along with some other local dishes. After dinner, we rapped up with reflection before finally settling into our rooms for the night! 

We separated into six new activity groups for our full days of fun! We are all experiencing new friendships, connections, and activities! We have: In Bus A the Blue Team led by Ms. Fenwick-Ross and the Pink Team Led by Mr. Ali, in Bus B the  Purple Team lead by Ms. Gergens and the Yellow Team led by Mr. Im, and last but certainly not least, in Bus C the Red Team led by Mr. Lai and the Green Team led by Mr. Holmes! All teams get to do all activities, however, we work on a rotational schedule! Below, you will notice the different activities that are done, and each day some photos of the activities will be added to them for the kids that participated! 

Students tackled the rugged trails of a stunning Karst mountain in their 8 kilometer hike! The hike was no easy feat—steep climbs, rocky paths, and narrow ridges tested their endurance. But every drop of sweat was rewarded with breathtaking views of jagged peaks and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye could see. At the summit, the group celebrated their achievement with a well-deserved, delicious sandwich lunch, savoring every bite while soaking in the panoramic beauty. The hike was a perfect blend of challenge and reward, reminding everyone that the hardest journeys often lead to the most unforgettable moments.

Students travelled back in time at the Peng Family Ancestral Hall in this activity. This family home is a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese ancestral architecture. Built during the Qing Dynasty, the hall serves as a place of worship and gathering for descendants of the Peng family, honoring their ancestors and heritage. Students got to experience the fortress through an educational scavenger hunt through the times! 

After an intense climb up 497 steep steps, students geared up for an exhilarating challenge—rappelling down into a stunning Karst cave opening. With harnesses secured and hearts racing, they descended into the mysterious depths, surrounded by ancient rock formations and the echoes of dripping water. The cave’s cool air and otherworldly beauty made every step of the journey worth it. This thrilling experience not only pushed their limits but also revealed the hidden wonders of nature. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, blending adrenaline, teamwork, and awe-inspiring sights deep within the earth.

Working in teams, they cut down their own bamboo pieces, learning firsthand about this incredible plant. Did you know bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet? It’s also a nutritious food source, packed with vitamins and minerals. After harvesting, students used the bamboo to cook delicious meals, showcasing its versatility. Beyond its culinary uses, bamboo is an environmental powerhouse, creating more oxygen than trees and even boasting strength comparable to steel. This hands-on experience highlighted bamboo’s cultural, ecological, and practical significance, leaving students inspired and hungry for more!

Thousands of years old and meters deep below, these brave students ventured down to the pitch black caves - good thing the head lamps were charged! Ducking, slipping, climbing over rocks and through narrow passageways, past stalagmite and stalagmites, students learned about the formation as they walked through the intricate tunnels!