Tour of China, 2025
A delegation of 26 students from Aitchison College's Prep School completed a nine-day educational tour of China in June 2025. The trip was approved by the esteemed Principal, Dr. S. M. Turab Hussain, and the Headmaster of Prep School, Raja Ashfaq Ahmad. Ms. Sarah Liu, the Head of the Chinese Language and Literature Department, successfully organised the tour. The visit aimed to enhance students' understanding of the Chinese language, history, and culture.
It was indeed a wonderful experience.Our students returned with new experiences, fascinating stories, lasting friendships, and cherished memories. The itinerary included iconic historical sites such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an. Students also participated in hands-on cultural activities, like pottery-making and shadow puppet crafts, and experienced modern China through high-speed rail travel and visits to futuristic technology centres.
The tour highlighted strong Pakistan-China relations, emphasised by a warm reception at the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing. The Pakistani Ambassador, His Excellency Khalil Hashmi, and his staff warmly welcomed the delegation. Mr. Hashmi praised Aitchison College’s initiative and expressed hope that such exchanges would become a regular annual tradition.
The journey began with a minor challenge when a student's visa issue was promptly resolved through the coordinated efforts of Ms. Sarah Liu, the school management, the travel agency, and the Embassy of Pakistan in China. The group's itinerary continued smoothly, with the student rejoining the tour after his visa was renewed.
Throughout the visit, the group was accompanied by knowledgeable local guides and dependable security personnel. Daily updates were sent to parents via WeChat, making them virtually part of the tour. Our students experienced traditional “Halal” Chinese cuisine. Throughout the trip, only certified “Halal restaurants” were chosen. The boys and teachers enjoyed it immensely, especially the Indian and Pakistani food available in China.
Interacting with native Chinese speakers gave our students a real feel for Chinese language and how it is used in specific social settings. Our students interacted with the locals during shopping and everyday activities, experiencing the language in its natural context.
The tour was a wonderful opportunity, ending with the group's safe return to Lahore. It was a trip that combined immersive learning with diplomatic friendship. Our students will never forget the tour for the rest of their lives. Nobody will!
