Ewa Grolik and Oliwia Siwak, who participated in the Chinese Language and Multicultural Practice Summer School, share their experiences from a 4-week stay at the Beijing Institute of Technology.
WEEK 1 - "A Week of Firsts: Immersing in China's Culture and History"
Our first week in China was the most memorable because it included our first encounter with Chinese cuisine and people, as well as our first field trip. After landing, volunteers from BIT were there to take care of us, and after the opening ceremony, they gave us an extensive tour of the campus. After attending a few Chinese lessons, it was time for our first field trip - to the Great Wall of China. Climbing it was certainly a challenge, but the view was worth it. At the end of the week, we decided to visit the Temple of Confucius and the Lama Temple. After touring those architectural gems, we stopped for some bamboo juice and walked around Qianhai Lake, admiring the luminous dragon until the evening.
Week 1 photos
WEEK 2 - "From Ancient Arts to Modern Rituals: Unveiling China's Rich Heritage"
For the second week of our summer school in China, our host university organized a calligraphy class where we learned to use the traditional Chinese calligraphy brush, as well as a trip to the Summer Palace. The palace was a beautiful blend of nature and architecture; however, the tour was quite exhausting due to the elevation changes between levels and the sheer size of the complex. One day, we managed to secure a reservation for Tian’anmen Square on Friday, and despite the bad weather, we witnessed the Flag Lowering Ceremony in all its glory. After a day of rest, we decided to visit a flea market near the city center. Besides many antiques, you could also find delicious tea and souvenirs, but don't forget to haggle if you want to buy them at a bargain.
Week 2 photos
WEEK 3 - "Pandas, Palaces, and Ancient Streets: A Captivating Third Week in China"
Our third week was one of the most exciting and eventful. At the beginning of the week, we visited the Temple of Heaven and the Beijing Zoo. The zoo had many beautiful animals from different parts of the world, but the highlight was the giant panda, known as China's national treasure. Our next stop was Qianmen Street, one of the most famous hutongs in Beijing, with its many shops and workshops. During the week, we managed to book tickets to the Forbidden City, which we visited over the weekend. It was one of the longest trips during our stay but also the most unforgettable. The palace was enormous, the architecture stunning, and the imperial gardens thriving.
Week 3 photos
WEEK 4 - "A Grand Finale: Exploring Beijing’s Modern Marvels and Culinary Delights"
In the last week of our stay, we had the opportunity to visit the Olympic Park and the Olympic Village. After taking pictures of the Beijing Olympic Tower, we visited the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the 'Bird’s Nest,' and the Beijing National Aquatic Center, called the 'Water Cube,' located in the central section. After sightseeing, we enjoyed some local street food recommended by our Chinese friends—donkey meat in flaky pastry, which was surprisingly delicious, Korean rice cakes with spicy sauce, and traditional tiny dumplings. With some free time after classes, we decided to visit the National Museum; however, we were unable to buy tickets, so we admired the building from the outside. In the evening, we went to try Beijing duck—the region’s most famous delicacy—with our international friends. Near the end of the week, we focused on studying for the final exam, and after passing it, we received our certificates and participated in the closing ceremony.
Week 4 photos
