On our latest cultural excursion, the RPL team traveled to Hepu, the historic birthplace of Beihai and a vital starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. It was a day filled with awe-inspiring artifacts and touching stories of local heroes.

RPL students enjoying a one-day cultural tour of Hepu ancient capital, featuring visits to Huai Garden and traditional Beihai morning tea experience

Our first stop was the Hepu Han Museum, where we marveled at the "treasures of the museum" and felt the pulse of an empire from two millennia ago. We then visited the Wenchang Pagoda, a landmark of wisdom and literature.

RPL students enjoying cultural tour activities in Hepu ancient capital, experiencing traditional Chinese architecture and local heritage sites

One of the most moving parts of the day was our visit to Huai Garden. We learned the story of its former owner, Wang Chongzhou, a visionary patriot who established Hepu's first modern hospital and free schools, and even sold his estate to support the nation during the war. Amidst the history, we also enjoyed a moment of peace—having a traditional Beihai "Morning Tea" (Dim Sum) in the beautiful garden of the manor. The blend of delicious food and historic scenery was unforgettable.

RPL students enjoying cultural tour activities in Hepu ancient capital, experiencing traditional Chinese architecture and local heritage sites

We concluded our trip at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. Sandy even got hands-on experience with Ox Bone Carving, learning the intricate art of piecing together lifelike animal figures.

Sandy getting hands-on experience with Ox Bone Carving at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, learning the intricate art of piecing together lifelike animal figures

From ancient Han relics to modern-day craftsmanship, Hepu proved that history is alive and well!

RPL students experiencing Hepu museum cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship
Hepu museum visit featuring RPL students learning about ancient Chinese culture and artifacts
RPL students on a one-day cultural tour of Hepu ancient capital, experiencing traditional Chinese culture and local heritage sites

🏮 Chinese Words of the Day

  • · 天赋 (tiān fù) – Talent / Gift
  • · 博物馆 (bó wù guǎn) – Museum
  • · 参观 (cān guān) – To visit / To tour
  • · 非遗 (fēi yí) – Intangible Cultural Heritage (Short for 非物质文化遗产fēi wù zhì wén huà yí chǎn)

Sentence: 城市一日游。 (chéng shì yí rì yóu.) – A one-day city trip.