A busy day to start tour experience week! With an early start of 6:40am at TIS, we managed to have a breakfast sandwich, check in and hop on our bus to Hengqin boarder by 7:20 am. 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 wrapped 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 Purple Team led by Ms. Geronimo and the Pink Team Led by Mr. Ali, in Bus B the  Blue Team lead by Ms. Fenwick-Ross and the Orange Team led by Ms. Van Wychen, and last but certainly not least, in Bus C the Red Team led by Mr. Holmes and the Green Team led by Ms. Sherriff! 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 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! 

Our last night was all about good food, great company, and unforgettable memories! We fired up the grill for a delicious BBQ feast, savoring juicy meats and perfectly roasted veggies. The fun didn’t stop there—everyone got creative making their own s’mores, stacking gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers into sweet masterpieces. We also got a little cake to celebrate a birthday! And as the sun set, the lawn turned into a dance floor, with laughter and music filling the air. It was the perfect blend of tasty treats, lively energy, and pure joy. Nights like these remind us how simple moments can create the best memories!