On National Education Day, held on 16 May 2025, students from various levels had the opportunity to reinforce classroom learning and participate in a range of exploration tours in Shenzhen, broadening their horizons beyond the curriculum. Students from S1 and S3 participated in an Art and Culture Exploration Tour, which I had the privilege of attending. Meanwhile, S2 students went on a Nature and Historical Culture Exploration Tour, and S5 students took part in a Technology and Culture Exploration Tour. These tours effectively helped students integrate national education into their learning and foster a deeper connection with our country.
Frames and portraits of bold strokes and delicate streaks filled our view as my fellow S3 students and I stepped into what could only be described as an aspiring artist’s dream — the Dafen Oil Painting Village. Our creativity was ignited as we wandered through trails filled with artistry and intricate masterpieces. The blazing sun lit up every corner of the meticulous oil paintings, prompting gasps of awe from us. I was deeply moved by the way the artists expressed their emotions and ideas in such personal yet universally interpretable ways.
Later in the day, we visited the Guan Shanyue Art Museum, where a professional guide led us on a captivating journey through contemporary art and history. Each of Mr Guan’s artworks was described with care and detail, immersing us in the world of domestic art. Not only did we gain insights into our cultural roots and homeland, but we also had the chance to analyse various artistic forms with our classmates. This bonding experience is one that none of us will soon forget.
Time flew as we arrived at the final destination of our trip: the Shenzhen Contemporary Art and Urban Planning Museum. After a guided introduction of selected pieces of contemporary art, we formed small groups to explore the museum independently. With several floors of exhibitions to discover, my group mates and I eagerly set off. We journeyed through different eras of Mainland China's rapid development, depicted through finely crafted wax figures and immersive video clips displayed on a large jumbotron. This experience left a lasting impression, strengthening the bond between us — not only as classmates, but also as citizens more deeply connected to China’s history.
Overall, this enriching experience provided us not only with unforgettable memories to cherish, but also with knowledge far beyond our typical classroom learning. This golden opportunity would not have been possible without the guidance and support of our teachers, who ensured we could enjoy the trip safely and meaningfully. There are still countless artworks — fragments of our heritage — waiting to be discovered, and I eagerly look forward to future opportunities like this.
3C Iris Poon