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On October 24, 2020 (Saturday), BC Mandarin School organized a study tour to the Forbidden City. This visit coincides with a special exhibition on the 600th anniversary of the Forbidden City. We are fortunate to see many of the fine cultural relics exhibited for the first time, some of which will be publicly exhibited again 100 years later.

 

In this study tour,some of the members were from well-known Japanese food companies, some were from the Japanese tourism industry, and some were foreign employees of Chinese state-owned enterprises. The members who had visited several times before said this time really understood the mystery. The members who first visit here were even more excited,they avoided tourist-style photographs and experienced a meaningful and in-depth cultural study tour.



The BC cultural study tour series was led by Long Lin, a Ph.D. in Ancient Chinese from Beijing Normal University, and translated by teacher Yoko. The courses were explained in the form of topics and dotted in many scenic spots. Some members said: "Guides only explain the superficial meaning of the scenic spots, but the study tour teacher is particularly active in introducing the cultural background, the reasons behind, and even the thoughts of the ancients. Standing here, I can fully feel the charm of this palace."



Entering from Donghuamen, everyone is walking on the road of ancient officials "going to work", and Teacher Long's explanation begins.

For example, "Why is purple[紫zǐ] used in the name Forbidden City[紫禁城zǐ jìn chéng] in Chinese, instead of other colors?"

"Why are the three halls of the Ming Dynasty a few times larger than the three halls of the Qing Dynasty?"

 

Teacher Long explained the reasons in detail, and attracted many passing tourists to stop and listen. In front of the palace, Teacher Long also compared and analyzed the proportions of Chinese architecture and ancient Japanese architecture. The Japanese members felt cordial and satisfied.



The 600th anniversary special exhibition is also very attractive. The audience in front of the cultural relics is crowded with people, but teacher Long was well prepared and released a "treasure hunt" mission to find 6 key cultural relics to deepen everyone's understanding of the theme of the day.



Finally, the study tour group came to the emperor's imperial garden. It was unexpected that even the inconspicuous stones were very particular, and there were very attractive stories. Everyone said that this weekend was full of rewards, it was a worthwhile visit! After coming out of Shenwumen, everyone took a group photo to mark the end of the study tour of appreciating the 600-year-old Forbidden City.



Afterwards, the study tour came to the hot pot restaurant with excitement. Everyone was amazed by the service of the smart restaurant, and also delighted by the traditional cultural programs “Face-changing”.

In the future, BC Mandarin School will continue to provide BC students and foreign friends with exciting and meaningful cultural activities.