Cultural Immersion in Hangzhou - CSS X HGYS Sister School Exchange Programme 25/26
- CSS
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
From 21 October to 25 October 2025, fourteen students from Creative Secondary School participated in the annual CSS X HGYS Sister School Exchange Programme at Hangzhou Greentown Yuhua School. This journey allowed students to immerse themselves in Hangzhou's rich culture, build meaningful connections, and develop crucial life skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and independence.
The programme began with the Opening Ceremony of the 22nd International Cultural Festival, where our students performed on stage after weeks of preparation. Beginning with hesitation, they built confidence and, in the final performance, their hard work and growth shone through to the large audience.
Another highlight was the Food & Trade event on the second day, where students managed booths offering Hong Kong delicacies such as milk tea, curry fish balls, and sugar scallion pancakes. As they worked together to sell items, they gained valuable lessons in communication and collaboration. Reflecting on the event, one student, Eva, shared, “At first, we were nervous and unsure if we could sell everything, but as we encouraged each other and interacted with the crowd, we eventually sold out.”
The cultural immersion deepened on the third day with a visit to Songcheng宋城, a theme park dedicated to the Song Dynasty. Students explored the park’s immersive displays and performances, learning about Hangzhou’s historical significance during the Southern Song Dynasty. Zoe, one of the students, remarked, “I was amazed by how history came alive through the performance. It made me appreciate the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.”
Beyond the cultural activities, students also bonded with their Hangzhou buddies through inter-school activities. They participated in morning self-study sessions and cheered each other on during the Fun Sports Day. These shared experiences not only fostered cross-cultural understanding but also strengthened their friendships.
The Hangzhou Sister School Exchange Programme was much more than an educational trip. It was a transformative journey that broadened students’ horizons, deepened their appreciation for cultural diversity, and created lasting memories. The homestay experience, combined with the variety of cultural and collaborative activities, left a profound impact on each participant, inspiring them to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
We are proud of our students’ achievements and look forward to continuing to provide opportunities like this that inspire exploration, connection, and growth.
Here are some reflections from our students on their journey to Hangzhou:
「“ 一寸光陰一寸金，寸金難買寸光陰，這次香港與杭州的交流活動，使我留下了一段千金不換的深刻記憶。
記憶的底色，不僅來自學校裡豐富多彩的活動，更源自於與寄宿同伴共度的每一刻。我們圍坐在一起，暢談兩地截然不同的學習節奏與生活習俗，分享各自生活裡的趣事與煩惱；相處時，她們總處處關照我，讓陌生的環境滿是暖意。
短短五天的時光雖轉瞬即逝，我們卻在朝夕相伴中結下了深厚的情誼。這段記憶如同珍藏的寶藏，每當回想，依舊滿是溫暖。”」
(F3 Ca Jennifer)
「光陰似箭，日月如梭。在杭州作交換生的時間一眨眼就過去，好像育華同學在校門口熱情迎接的畫面就在片刻前。
從校園到街邊，起初的局促最後都化作無話不談。大家並肩走在一起，分享煩心事暢聊人生觀，交流彼此城市的習俗，討論學習的方式。歡聲笑語充斥著每一個我們一同去過的地方。
江南美，西湖情，民族間的團結，將來自不同地方的我們連結在一起。那些相隔千里的距離都不再是問題，因為情感的羈絆將我們連結。」
(F4 Ja Edith)
You may also check our students’ Learning Log and experience their growth here: