Year 5 Field Trip forthe Chinese Language Project

 Article/ Hailey  Zoe

The Y5 students embark on their "Journey Through the Kingdom of Chinese Characters" in their Chinese learning. During this unit, they explore the origins of Chinese characters and the evolution of their forms also discover the fascinating charm of Chinese characters. Today, they will visited ZIZAI MOVABLE TYPE CULTURAL MUSEUM for an engaging experience of traditional cultural heritage.

1#The Moveable Type Printing Hall

Upon entering the museum's elegantly decorated hall, the students are immediately captivated by the various printing machines on display. The moveable type printing invented by Bi Sheng in the Northern Song Dynasty predates Europe’s by over 400 years!" With vivid explanations from the guide, the students watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate the process from casting characters to printing books. What was once a page in their textbooks now comes to life before their eyes.

2#The Precious Typography Collection

Next, the students step into the temperature-controlled, humidity-regulated collection hall, where they carefully approach glass cabinets housing rare relics, including Yuan Dynasty wooden movable type and Ming Dynasty copper movable type. They can almost feel the weight of centuries-old cultural heritage as they gaze at the ancient artifacts. Through the display of various types of characters and materials from different dynasties, the students touch the very pulse of civilization's continuity.

3#Find the Character

The most exciting activity has arrived! The students eagerly search for Chinese characters on the Oracle Bone Script Wall. Once they find one, they recite an ancient poem containing that character or one with a similar sound. The hall fills with a lively chorus of ancient poetry recitations—could this be the echo of Chinese culture spanning over a thousand years?

4#Oracle Bone Script Painting

In the interactive zone, the students become "little Cangjies" (the legendary creator of Chinese characters), carefully tracing and recreating authentic oracle bone inscriptions. While drawing, each student creates an imaginative story related to their oracle bone script and shares it enthusiastically with their classmates. The sound of laughter fills the gallery, creating an atmosphere of joy and creativity.

5#Moveable Type Printing Experience

Now comes the moment the students have been eagerly waiting for—the hands-on activity! Under the guidance of professional instructors, the students step into the role of "moveable type printers," experiencing firsthand the ancient craft. The meticulous care and dedication of past generations of printers are mirrored in the students' own focused engagement—just like the artisans of history.

The Seeds of Cultural Heritage Are Sprouting

On the way back, the students proudly hold their personally printed works, chattering excitedly about their experience. This museum trip has not only helped them understand the history of Chinese characters, but it has also allowed them to feel the enduring vitality of Chinese civilization. When tradition meets the hearts of children, culture finds its most vivid form of inheritance.