The Forbidden City was established in the Ming Dynasty.

Going through five hundred years of thick and thin,

it has evolved into the Palace Museum of today.

Students of Kaiwen spent a day to get in-depth knowledge of the museum,

and started the cultural journey across history in the reversal class.

The exploratory study trip was of multiple disciplines, roles and subjects.

The old dreams of the Forbidden City were reviewed by a group of youth after centuries.

One of the courses offered by Haidian Kaiwen Academy is themed on “the protection of cultural relics”. Teachers of the humanities and social sciences group taught the students to appreciate ancient paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, bronze ware and jade ware as well as skills in mounting of calligraphy and painting and building of ancient architecture. In addition, the students obtained a basic knowledge of the concept and methodology on the protection of cultural relics.

Based on the above, students of Kaiwen took part in an unprecedented cultural course themed on the Forbidden City. Adhering to the spirit of “study, inherit and protect at the same time”, the students enjoyed the historical culture and traditional arts. In the reversal class, they had gone through participation, experience, reflection, exploration, summary and implementation, thus promoting the perseverant originality of a powerful nation and becoming talents of leadership with love for the homeland and international perspectives.

Before the Trip: Collect Works on the Theme of “Impression Palace Museum”

As the largest ancient palace complex in the world, the Forbidden City has witnessed the development of royal culture of both the Ming and Qing dynasties. It reflects a certain period of history of the Chinese civilization, with spiritual and material value for the mankind. Before the trip, the humanities and social sciences group of Haidian Kaiwen Academy collected works on the theme of “Impression Palace Museum” from the entire school.

Students participated actively. They made use of inspirations on creative designs, and combined traditional Chinese culture with modern fashion, exhibiting their understanding of the museum by poems and paintings and spreading the culture of the museum in unique forms. Now, let’s appreciate their works!

Reversal Class: Students Inform Teachers of the Palace Museum

“Place one’s heart on heaven and earth; place one’s life on the livelihood of people;

inherit precious learning for scholars of the past; create peace for generations to come.”

Love for the homeland and traditional culture

should be inherited and innovated.

The study trip to the Forbidden City was oriented on students. Through reconstruction of the learning process, the power to make decisions was transferred from teachers to students. In the reversal class, it was for the students to inform teachers of the history and culture of the Forbidden City.

Before the trip, students of Kaiwen had studied on their own. By watching video lectures, reading books and discussing with fellow students, they gathered knowledge of various subjects, including Chinese, English, history, geography and politics. They wrote commentaries both in Chinese and English, making preparations for the presentation during the study trip.

Students of Kaiwen entered the Palace Museum through the Meridian Gate and made the tour along the central axis, from Taihe Hall to Zhonghe Hall, Baohe Hall, Cining Palace, Qianqing Palace and Jingren Palace. During the trip, students of the sixth to the ninth grade were grouped into teams, with each member playing their individual roles, such as leader, photographer, discipline supervisor and contact person. In the meanwhile, students were acting as Chinese and English commentators. In the process of visiting and commentating, the students reflected on questions they chose to explore. They were exploring with tasks and performing with roles.

In this complicated palace, which hall is of the highest level? Did criminals really get executed at the Meridian Gate? There had never been a waterlogging so how did the palace drain off water? Are there any architectural theories reflected in the construction? …… With the help of their commentaries, teachers and students of Kaiwen obtained knowledge on the origin of its layout planning, the overall idea for formation of the city, historical evolution of the Forbidden City, architectural forms and systems of the Court. As a result, they learned about the concepts concerning nation and family and cultural connotations contained in the complex.

Every object in the Palace Museum is a product of wisdom and endeavor of the Chinese nation, demonstrating the excellence and brilliance of our people. For example, its drainage system demonstrates the idea of environmental protection and the pursuit of beautiful design. The outlets were so artistically designed that had become an integral part of the overall image. These ornamental elements make the grandeur of lofty buildings stand out.

Those who built the palace had long gone, but the exquisite pieces of art can tell generations to come about the history.

By way of experiencing and learning in the field, the students learned about the Forbidden City in an easy and effective fashion. The function, status and purpose of each building were interpreted by teachers and students of Kaiwen in a unique way. Generally speaking, all the truths are plain and simple. Therefore, we must get rid of the mysterious cover and reach for the essence.

In the process, students of Kaiwen had enhanced their attainment on various subjects. They approved and respected traditional culture and the value system of traditional thoughts, increased their cultural awareness and confidence, strengthened their abilities concerning organization and management, built up the mentality of teamwork and coordination, and reinforced the spirit of scientific exploration and public participation, achieving the interactive model of interdisciplinary and cross-cutting learning.

What the Teachers Say: Feel the fascination and get touched by the heart

Nancy Nie: teacher of the humanities and social sciences group

Through this study trip to the Palace Museum, the students got first-hand experience and obtained in-depth knowledge. The future inheritors and disseminators of the excellent traditional Chinese culture developed core qualities of this discipline, recognized and respected traditional culture and enhanced their confidence in this regard.

Dave Wei: teacher of the humanities and social sciences group

Good results were drawn from this event. Students took part in a series of activities, through which they discovered their potentials. The students played different roles during the trip and this experience of teamwork and cooperation strengthened their awareness on rules and public participation.

Sonya Xing: teacher of the humanities and social sciences group

During this study trip, the students got familiar with the features of the Forbidden City, including its architectural structures and layouts. These interesting knowledge increased their reserve on humanities.

Lily Li: teacher of psychological consultation

After this study trip to the Palace Museum, students of Kaiwen might be able to act as tour guides for their foreign friends when visiting the museum, introducing their favorite scenic spots with pride.

Students of Kaiwen measured the Forbidden City with their steps,

traveled through history in the museum,

learned and pondered during the study trip,

and got to know the world through their own perspectives.

With respect for the Chinese civilization,

they have become disseminators of culture.