Yangshuo China Week!

Overnight Train to Guilin

Good morning/afternoon/evening to the UWC community, my family, and friends! If you weren't able to talk to me on Facebook during last week, that was because I was in China! Li Po Chun UWC (my school) has a China Week event that happens every year to all of the incoming first years like me. For my China Week group, we went to the small tourist town of Yangshuo, in Guilin. Here is the reflection I made about it.

The trip to Yangshuo started with train rides. We started our travels riding the MTR, which we use almost everyday. Everyone had nothing to talk about, really. Crossing the border at Shenzhen was a bit more exciting, since we were technically venturing into a communist country (and most of us have never been in one before). We started talking more at this point because our first glimpse of China was not of rolling hills and villages like we expected in Yangshuo, but tall, towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. From there, we took the 13-hour train ride going to Guilin, so we all started telling stories, making jokes and getting to know each other better to pass the time. Then we took a 2-hour bus ride to Yangshuo.

Rock climbing!

The entire trip was composed of hiking, biking, taking baths, and rock climbing, all while taking in the breathtaking, picturesque scenery of Yangshuo’s mountain ranges. The first day of the trip was exhausting since we arrived at Yangshuo in the morning, and we had just came from a lengthy train and bus ride. Hiking for 35 kilometres is no easy task on its own, but when you’re sleepy and lethargic, it becomes much more daunting. The second day was no less difficult, as we biked for the whole day while exploring a much less developed and older town than Yangshuo. We did a couple of activities that our group leader, Ronnie, had prepared for us, like searching for different coloured ponds and trying to solve a tough riddle. Cave exploration and mud baths were the main attractions for the third day. The last day was all about rock climbing.

The Yangshuo squad rolling out in our bikes

If by day, Yangshuo is a town to eat delicious and authentic Chinese food and gawk at the looming mountain ranges surrounding it, then at night, it transforms into a thriving marketplace and tourist hub. West Street is the place to be if you’re looking for souvenirs, looking to take more pictures, or try out good local cuisine. We had a great time checking out the souvenirs, trying local street food, and taking many, many photos.

Yangshuo night life

China Week isn’t just about learning about China, it is also about getting closer to the people in your group. As balanced United World College students, we are expected to be active in all forms of student life, Academics, Education Outside The College, and Residential life. Getting to know people you have never talked to before is fun in itself. We had the privilege of doing it while enjoying ourselves in China. After China Week, I have grown close to my fellow “Yangshuo-ers” and can honestly say I haven’t wasted any time during China Week, because I got to know these people beyond their names and where they came from.

Its always sad when its time to go home after a vacation, and it was no different when we had to leave. We had so many fun experiences that we will never forget. Even going home, there were many funny and unforgettable moments that we shared together. We arrived at campus at midnight and crashed, on our beds, drained.

Hiking towards the mountain ranges
surrounding Yangshuo

Yangshuo 2015 was not just a Chinese cultural learning experience and a personal physical challenge, but was also a chance to get to know other people and, more importantly, take a well-earned break from academics.

I would like to thank Ronnie and Jenny for organising and leading Yangshuo 2015. I would also like to thank my fellow Yangshuo-ers for making this trip a fun and enjoyable one, also helping me to appreciate the free time we have, and the great education we are given. Thank you again to the UWC Philippines NC for giving me this chance to explore the world and experience being part of the UWC.

Squad ROLLOUT!

All glory and honour belongs to God, and...

To more migsADVENTURES,

Migs