Bay to Beijing

Tag: history

  • Day 13 – Summer Palaces, Imperial Gates & Spice-Filled Goodbyes

    Author: Kash Brown | Contributor: Margaret Pazos-Zarza

    We set out for another full day of discovery—this time exploring some of the most iconic historical landmarks in Beijing. After a week in Tianjin, the contrast between the two cities was immediately noticeable. Beijing was bigger, busier, and more densely packed. There was definitely more traffic, and our bus rides took a bit longer, but it gave us time to reflect on just how far we’ve come on this journey.

    We started the day like most others—breakfast at the hotel, meeting in the lobby, and boarding the charter bus. Our first destination was the Summer Palace, the once-royal garden retreat of the Qing Dynasty.

    Due to high foot traffic and tourism, buses aren’t allowed to drive directly to the entrance, so we were dropped off about a mile away and made our way in on foot. Along the walk, we passed busy streets filled with bikers, small shops, street vendors, and tourists. The energy was definitely different from Tianjin.

    When we finally arrived, the view made the walk completely worth it. Kunming Lake, which we learned was man-made, stretched wide before us with boats gently floating on its surface.

    We crossed a white marble bridge to get to one of the first palace areas, snapped a few photos, and then made our way down a long corridor filled with vivid hand-paintings —no two alike.

    Each canvas was a masterpiece, and thinking about how long it must’ve taken to paint all of them was mind-blowing.

    We had a tour guide with us who walked us through the history of the grounds, pointing out key areas and artifacts. The entire palace was filled with moments that brought the past to life—artists painting the landscape, vendors selling traditional souvenirs, and the sound of distant instruments playing. It was a peaceful yet powerful reminder of the grandeur of imperial China.

    After the tour, we headed back to the bus and made our way to lunch. The warm weather had us craving a break from the heat, so sitting down for a meal was a welcome pause. As always, the food did not disappoint—especially the spicy garlic chicken, bok choy, and fried seabass with sweet and sour sauce.

    It was the perfect fuel for our next big stop: the Forbidden City.

    Just like at the Summer Palace, our bus couldn’t pull up directly to the entrance, so we walked again. As we approached, the sheer scale of the Forbidden City left us speechless. Before we even got inside, we ran into a group of young women in yellow t-shirts. They were a flag football team from Washington, and when we told them we were from California, there was an instant West Coast bond. We took a group selfie before parting ways and diving into our next historic adventure.

    Our tour guide gave each of us headsets linked to her microphone, which made it easier to hear her detailed breakdown of everything we were seeing.

    She painted vivid pictures of life under the Ming and Qing dynasties, from the emperors and their many wives and children to the architecture, rituals, and social structure of palace life. We passed the Palace of Longevity and Health, once home to Empress Dowager Chongqing, and the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility—both reminders of how this place was once alive with people, power, and politics.

    One interesting element that stood out was the presence of large ornamental rocks throughout the grounds. These unique stones—many with natural holes worn through them—were considered symbolic and aesthetically valuable in ancient Chinese garden design. They represented strength, harmony, and a connection to nature, and were placed intentionally throughout the Forbidden City to reflect those values.

    We learned that while parts of the Forbidden City are still off-limits, the Palace Museum, established in 1925, now houses over 1.86 million pieces of traditional Chinese art.

    We also saw several men and women dressed in traditional clothing, honoring the history of the space. They looked beautiful, and many happily posed for photos with us.

    After the tour, we made our way to a restaurant called Shulong Gorge for dinner. The dishes were flavorful, but this one definitely turned up the heat—literally. There was no shortage of spice, and while some of us powered through like champs, others tapped out early. Either way, it was a fun, fiery end to a full day.

    We left the restaurant, returned to the bus, and headed back to the hotel—tired, full, and in awe of everything we’d seen.

    Today gave us a deeper appreciation for China’s beauty, complexity, and legacy. From the peaceful paths of the Summer Palace to the grandeur and symbolism of the Forbidden City, every moment felt like stepping into a living history book. The artwork, architecture, and stories transported us across centuries—and reminded us how much there is to learn when we take time to listen, walk, and wonder. This one is an unforgettable chapter.

  • Day 12 – Great Heights: A Day on the Great Wall

    Author: Miguel Aguilar

    We left the wonderful city of Tianjin early on Saturday morning, May 24th, heading to the Great Wall and wrapping up our program in Beijing. Before we departed, our amazing host Abby came to say goodbye, it was the last time we’d see her on the trip. Huge thanks to Abby for being such a wonderful host and an incredible person. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without her.

    The drive to the Great Wall was long, and we stopped for lunch along the way at a restaurant just outside our destination at The Great Wall.

    As always, the food was amazing. My favorite dishes were the glass noodles and the beef with spicy peppers. It was a perfect meal to fuel us for the climb ahead.

    During lunch, we also met Grace, who would be our tour guide in Beijing for the rest of the trip. She sat with our group and shared both historical insights and tips for tackling the Wall.

    After lunch, we arrived at the entrance of the Great Wall. We were given the option to take a ferry or start the climb from the base. Everyone chose to walk.

    We underestimated the number of stairs, and it was a very difficult climb! But after about 20 minutes, the view made every step worth it.

    The weather was beautiful, and being there in such a historic and symbolic place was surreal. Even after reaching the wall itself, we still had to hike to Tower 1.

    That part wasn’t as intense, and the breathtaking views and photo ops helped distract us from the physical challenge. Shout-out to Jazmin for being the first one to reach the top! On the way back down we encountered a group of local students who were very welcoming. We were both excited to meet one another. They gave us a red scarf, tied it around our neck, and then we had a photo op. It was a highlight of the trip that we hadn’t anticipated.

    On the way back, we learned that we’d be taking the tobogganing down, a highlight we were all looking forward to. Some of us took our time heading back, and along the way, we ran into a large group of around 30 – 40 schoolchildren and their teachers, making their way up.

    They were incredibly welcoming. One student even let me wave a large Chinese flag while standing on the Wall. All of us had the chance to wave it, and we took a photo together while shouting a Mandarin phrase. When I asked what it meant, they told me it translated to “Long Live China.”

    As part of this beautiful exchange, the students and teachers gave us red scarves and respectfully tied them around our necks, a gesture that made us feel accepted and honored.

    One student even bowed while handing me the flag, showing a deep level of cultural respect. It was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. What stood out to me most was the pride these students had for their country. Each time someone waved the flag, they saluted without hesitation. Their pride, discipline, and kindness left a lasting impression on all of us.

    Eventually, we made it to the tobogganing line. The wait was around 30 minutes, but the ride was fast, exciting, and totally worth it. It was like a roller coaster that I didn’t want to end.

    Once we all reached the bottom, we regrouped, took the shuttle back to our bus, and drove about an hour and a half to our dinner spot near the hotel.

    Everyone was hungry after the day’s adventure, and the meal hit the spot. We finished the day back at the hotel, resting our legs and recharging for the next day of our journey.

    Climbing the Great Wall was more than a physical challenge—it was an emotional journey. From the breathtaking views to the unexpected exchange with local students, every moment reminded us why we travel: to connect, to learn, and to grow. The pride, discipline, and kindness we witnessed left a lasting mark. It’s one thing to visit a world wonder; it’s another to feel welcomed by the people who live in its shadow. This day, like so many on this journey, is something we’ll carry with us forever.

  • Day 9 – Canals, Lions, and Legends: A Journey Through China’s Living History

    Author: Eric Perez

    Today, we got to see two major highlights of the trip for me so far. The first being the Grand Canal Museum and the second being the ancient iron lion statue in the town of Cangzhou! To be completely honest, I knew very little about the Grand Canal and basically nothing about the Cangzhou lion before today, so pretty much everything I got to see was such a surprise and such a new experience, it was really memorable!

    Right when we arrived at the Grand Canal Museum, we walked into this enormous entryway that was adorned from floor to ceiling with gorgeous stone carvings of all of the various regional cultures from across China. Our tour guide explained to us that both the wall and the museum were meant to reflect the path of the Canal, from the north of China in Beijing all the way to the south! So as we traveled along the museum path, we were able to see several regional cultures highlighted with impressively detailed still life’s, recreations of traditional scenes of work and leisure, and numerous cultural artifacts.

    Looking up there was a winding dark blue panel with makeshift stars and lights that was supposed to symbolize the canal itself. To me, some of the most impressive exhibits we saw were a wax sculpture recreation of characters from the Beijing opera and a long handmade panel of silk embroidery!

    We even got to see a sneak peak of the Iron Lion statue that we would visit later on in the day when we passed by a clay recreation of the statue surrounded by several life sized sculptures of various traditional Chinese martial art styles! Everything we saw in the Grand Canal was so colorful and intricate. It really made me question how much we tend to gloss over the diversity of Asian cultures in general in the United States, when there is so much regional diversity even within one single country like China. 

    Afterwards, we drove the rest of the way to Cangzhou, where we were able to enter the Old Relics Park. On the walk over to the lion, we came across a few sculptures that Bill was able to explain to us. It turned out that a few of them were characters from iconic Chinese literature! We got to learn about traditional Chinese stories like The Outlaws of the Marsh and Journey to the West. Journey to the West in particular was super intriguing to me because of how the story centered around the popular Chinese imagination of its historical neighbor, India.

    As we learned more about Cangzhou’s history as The Lion City, this history of contact with China’s neighbors like India continued to be an ongoing theme, which was just fascinating, since I just hadn’t really considered how complex and ancient that relationship must be. On the way up to the Iron Lion, we got to see a ton of lion art made throughout the centuries by local artists who got their inspiration from living in the shadow of this massive ancient monument to the lion. We learned that many of them came to view the lion as a symbol of the ferocity and power of the common people. Unlike the dragon or the phoenix, which were associated with royalty, the lion was seen as an invincible beast that was still accessible to everyday people. Because lions didn’t exist in China, people only heard of them in stories, through contact with India and Africa, so the mythology of the lion kept getting built up more and more. One of the funniest parts for all of us was that a lot of the lion art didn’t look very much like lions at all! Our guides explained that this was because very few people had seen lions before, so they had to come up with imaginary representations. 

    Once we actually got to see the Iron Lion, it just took all of our breaths away. Even with how ancient it is, it still had such an immense presence and energy. Looking up at it made me wonder how so many generations of local people must have felt looking up at the same statue, perhaps even in a more impressive state. How must they have felt, gazing up at a mythical animal that was older than any living memory, older than their grandparents or even their grandparents’ grandparents, wondering where it must have come from and what it must mean, but knowing nothing even remotely like it could be recreated by themselves. I feel like it almost shot me back through time, in that way. It reminded me of another possible theory of the Iron Lion’s origins, the idea that it was made in tribute to the Bodhisattva Manjusri, who’s seen as the spirit of transcendental wisdom, and depicted as a woman riding on a blue lion.

    I thought this was another really cool way that this experience must have been shaped by China’s ancient connections to its neighbors, India especially. I’m sure that contact with these new, foreign ideas must have added such a layer of mystery and inspiration f or the ancient people who created the statue, and to me it just drove home how interconnected the world really has been for so long, and how meaningful it really is to get to know a new culture with a truly open mind.

  • Day 8 – Planes, Precision, and Pastries

    Author: Antonio Valverde | Contributor: Kash Brown

    Today started off a little differently than usual. The night before, we were informed that one of our group leaders wouldn’t be joining us for the rest of the trip—she had tested positive for COVID. The following morning, one of the students who wasn’t feeling well the day before also tested positive. Our group leaders responded quickly and thoughtfully, bringing masks, antibacterial wipes, electrolytes, and medicine to help keep everyone safe. They wiped down the bus and reminded us to stay masked throughout the day. One of the chaperones even made a plate of food and fruit for the student who would be staying behind at the hotel. It was a moment of community care that set the tone for how we moved forward—together.

    After breakfast, the rest of us boarded the bus for a full day of industry tours and cultural experiences. Our first stop was Airbus Tianjin. When we first arrived we were greeted with heavy security along with the disclaimer that were not allowed to bring our phones on the tour, however we were able to capture a few photos of the outside area.

    We climbed four flights of stairs to get to the top floor of the factory for a full view. During the tour we were presented with deconstructed airplanes across multiple warehouse buildings. It reminded me of how in video games you can build your car and customize different parts of it. We saw half painted wings, detached tails, and suspended airplane bodies. We also learned that constructing an airplane at this company is a big collaboration effort with other countries as not all parts are constructed here in China. Over 75,000 to date.

    After our tour, we headed to the Sea-Gull Watch Company. When we arrived, a tour guide greeted us and immediately directed our attention to the ground, where a giant sundial-style clock was embedded in the pavement. She stood at the 12 PM mark, raised her right arm, and explained that based on the sun’s position and the time of year, your shadow would point to the current time. A few of us took turns trying it out—it was a fun and unexpected way to kick off the visit. Then we headed inside to begin the tour.

    We learned that Sea-Gull is one of the leaders in the watchmaking industry and it was prevalent in their rich history and attentive detailed designs. Before entering the museum we were presented with life size human operated clock on the floor that used our bodies and the sun to tell time. Another personal highlight for me was getting up close to the inner workings of the watches on display. 

    My favorite part of the day though would have to be learning how to make a Mahua which is considered a signature food of Tianjin. The Mahua consists of a twisted fried bread which can have a range of topping and flavorings added to it. Before we got to make our own Mahua’s we walked through a museum mapping out the history of this signature dish. We learned that the first Mahua was created hundreds of years ago and the same technique is still being used today. The process today has been expedited with the use of machines in order to quickly produce more but the initial twisting technique is still made by human hands.

    When it was our turn to start making our own Mahua it proved to be quite difficult at the start but once I got the twisting motion down I was set. It was relaxing and therapeutic in my opinion getting the experience of making this delicious ancient pastry.

    Afterwards we were gifted gift bags with Mahua and other goodies along with a framed puzzle. We were then released into a market where many boxes of Mahua made it back to the hotel with us. Overall it was a very eventful day of museums and good food.

    From aerospace innovation to centuries-old snack traditions, Day 8 was a reminder that precision, creativity, and culture come in many forms. Whether we were watching planes take flight or twisting dough by hand, we walked away with a deeper appreciation for the people and processes behind the things we often take for granted. And as always—good food, good people, and new memories made the day one to remember.

  • Day 6 (Pt. 1) – Xiong’an – Smart Cities, Spicy Lessons, and Shared Stories

    Author: Staci Edwards

    (Xiong’an and Chili Farm)

    On Day 6, most of the group members began to feel settled in. We were making new friends, laughing at each other’s jokes, and trying new foods with one another. For some of us, this was our first time traveling internationally, but the positivity of Bill Kwong, Joy, and Emily made everyone feel safe and welcomed. Some students even began to feel a little homesick, but other members stepped in to remind them that we have each others’ backs.

    After learning a bit about the rich history of China, the American students went to Xiong’an, also known as “The Smart City”. We took a look around the amazing developments and then headed to the museum that highlighted the great potential future of the area. The exhibition was amazing—from the holograms, to the projected images, to the physical mini representation of the city, we were shocked at the level of detail the museum put into creating a meaningful experience for its audience.

    Many of us bought a few items from the store of the museum, like bookmarks, incense, notebooks, pins, and stamps. Some of us actually spent more money than we anticipated! It was all worth it in the end though, because we got to bring these souvenirs home as gifts for our loved ones. Joy was also quick to help us translate when we weren’t sure of what something was <3.

    After an insightful visit to the Xiong’an exhibition, we went to a well-renowned chili farm with the Finnish students! We learned about how the factory uses the chilis’ sizes, color, length, and curvature to determine which ones they will sell and throw away. We got to test what we learned by sorting the chilis ourselves, AND even got to try one!

    Then, we participated in a panel where American students and Finnish students talked about how their respective countries are doing what they can to help their people thrive. What an interesting topic!

    Day 6 reminded us that growth isn’t just found in history books or high-tech exhibits—it’s found in connection. Whether we were in awe of futuristic holograms, sorting chili peppers by hand, or sitting in a circle sharing stories with students from Finland, we realized how different—and yet how similar—our worlds truly are. As this journey continues, one thing is clear: it’s not just about the places we visit, but the people we experience them with.

    The story continues… Day 6 (Pt. 2): Xiong’an – A Trip to the Future by Dennyce Martinez Arriaga

    Checkout more photos here.

  • Day 4 (Pt. 2) – Fuping’s Work, War, and Welcome

    Author: Lorenzo Lopez

    What’s good everyone! 

    Day 4 was a day full of travel, fun, and adventure! We started off with breakfast as usual, before driving 5 hours to Fuping. 

    On the way there we stopped at a local gas station in a desert-like environment with rolling hills. Not much for sight seeing at this point but it’s definitely surreal seeing the Chinese countryside, in what most of the group realized how blessed we were to be there at that moment in time. 

    Once we arrived in Fuping, we went on non-stop tours to 4 different facilities including several textile factories and food processing plants. It was so different seeing the inside / “behind-the-scenes” scoop on the Chinese economy. 

    Once we wrapped up the site visits, we stopped at a Japanese War/ Mao memorial center in which we had to ourselves. It became so evident how strong the Chinese dedication to Mao and admiration for its past truly is. 

    The day ended with dinner at our beautiful hotel- followed by meeting some locals at the mall. The generosity, love, and friendship offered in Fuping is truly second to none. Fuping was truly a treat we’ll never forget!

    Today showed us the layers behind what we often take for granted—from the hands that sew uniforms to the history woven into rural towns like Fuping. Touring factories, walking through Mao’s legacy, and connecting with locals reminded us that every product, every place, and every person carries a story. As the sun set and we shared laughs with new friends at the local mall, we realized that some of the most meaningful lessons happen in the in-between moments. Fuping left a mark on all of us—one we won’t soon forget.

    Check out more photos here.

    The story begins… Day 4 (Pt. 1): Beyond the Label – What ‘Made in China’ Really Means by Nohely Peraza

  • Day 4 (Pt. 1) – Beyond the Label – What ‘Made in China’ Really Means

    Author: Nohely Peraza

    On May 16 we traveled from Tianjin to Fuping by bus, about a 3 hour drive. Fuping is located in a more rural area of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Fuping County in December 2012. Fuping had been considered one of the poorest villages in the country, and the government worked with local officials to increase access to basic needs such as food, medical care, housing, and jobs. We visited a village the following day, on Saturday, May 17th, but on Friday we got an introduction to the region through its food, workers, and history. 

    When we arrived in town for lunch, we passed by a wedding celebration on our way to our dining room. It was so beautiful to see the red colors and hear the firecrackers honoring the newlyweds! Every single meal we have had has been delicious and expanded our taste palettes.

    After lunch, we visited a processed foods factory. The factory packaged fresh, locally-grown produce as well as ready-to-eat foods such as noodles and dumplings. Due to an increase in work productivity and the busy nature of family life, the demand for dried instant meals has increased. It was very interesting to see the flow between machine and manual labor, a juxtaposition we reflected on greatly throughout this trip, but especially in Fuping. 

    We then visited a factory that produced school uniforms. We saw how the material is cut using laser technology, is sorted for workers to assemble and sew, and transported on hangers to another floor for inspection and packaging.

    We also visited the museum that walked us through the history of school uniforms in China. A member of our group, Jeremy, played around with the settings on an AI uniform generator, and created ideas for Eastside uniforms! 

    After seeing how school uniforms are made, we made a brief stop at United Uniform Manufacturers, which makes uniforms for military, police officers, nurses and doctors, etc. We even saw a California Highway Patrol uniform, over 6,000 miles from home. This definitely puts into perspective seeing the words “Made in China” on our clothing and other goods. This experience enhanced our understanding of mass production, shipping, and at its core, the hard work of Chinese locals who are providing for their families and who have witnessed major changes to their local communities. 

    After the factories, we went to the Baoding Jinjachi Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall, which commemorated the Chinese Communist Party’s guerilla warfare tactics and victory over the Nationalist Party during the Chinese civil war.

    The museum was built to recognize Chairman Mao’s presence in this region during the war. We walked around the room he stayed in during this time period. It was chilling to be surrounded by the mountains where this history took place. We were struck by the graphic images of the violence endured by Chinese civilians during the time of Japanese occupation. 

    We then had a short ride to the hotel, where we ate dinner and then had free time to explore the local area. I went with some friends to the mall, and communicated with the help of gestures and my translation app to buy a pair of shoes.

    Day 4 took us deeper into the heart of China. From factory floors to powerful moments in history, we saw firsthand the resilience, innovation, and hard work that shape communities like Fuping. Each stop reminded us that behind every product and place, there are stories—and people—worth honoring. Another successful day!

    Checkout Day 4 (Pt. 2): Fuping’s Work, War, and Welcome by Lorenzo Lopez

  • Day 3 – A Day in Tianjin – Ports, Culture, and a Night on the Water

    Author: Jazmin Carrillo Morales

    We had an early wake-up call on Thursday, May 15. After breakfast at the hotel and a two-hour drive, we arrived at the Tianjin Harbor, one of the busiest ports in the world. Our tour guide met us there, he was very knowledgeable and passionate about the port’s history, current operations, and future development plans. He showed us a detailed map of the port city, and it honestly blew my mind how much infrastructure exists just to support the port’s workers and the surrounding community. It’s basically a city within the port.

    We also got to step inside one of their wine distribution centers, where they handle orders and prepare shipments. The tour was short and to the point, but packed with insight, especially for anyone interested in logistics or global trade. It gave us a better understanding of how products move around the world and how efficient systems keep everything running behind the scenes.

    After the tour, we headed to lunch, and it did not disappoint. The spread was incredible: fresh salad, noodles, tender chicken, fluffy pork buns, soup, tofu, and more. Everything was flavorful and comforting.

    Next up was a visit to the Ancient Cultural Street in Tianjin, one of my favorite stops of the entire day. The street was stunning, packed with colorful traditional buildings that looked straight out of a movie, lanterns hanging overhead, and vendors lined up selling everything from handmade jewelry to street food. We had about an hour and a half to explore on our own, and I could’ve stayed even longer.

    Walking through the street felt like stepping back in time, but in the best way. I had so much fun hopping between shops, trying to communicate with local vendors using a mix of hand gestures, basic Chinese, and smiles. I ended up buying earrings, a bookmark, and some Chinese chocolate to bring home for friends and family. A few of us also bought beautiful traditional hair clips, and the woman who sold them even styled our hair for us right there. It was such a sweet and unexpected moment.

    There was something really special about that street: the architecture, the energy, the sense of tradition. Every corner felt meaningful, like I was surrounded by living history. It felt amazing to not just observe, but actually engage in Chinese culture.

    After soaking in the vibrant energy of Ancient Cultural Street, we were guided to a nearby shop for a virtual tour of Tianjin. Using an interactive display, they walked us through how the city’s waterways connect across borders—showing how the rivers and sea flow directly into the port area. One highlight was learning about Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty and his excavation of the Yongji Canal, a major engineering feat that played a key role in shaping China’s transportation and trade routes.

    After that, we went to dinner, which once again was a feast. The dishes just kept coming: roast duck, rice, soups, veggies, pork, chicken. Every bite was delicious. You could tell everyone was satisfied and excited for what was coming next.

    And that next part was magical, a nighttime boat cruise through the city of Tianjin. As we boarded, the city lights began to glow, casting reflections on the water. For the next hour, we glided through the river, surrounded by illuminated skyscrapers, lit-up bridges, and crowds of people out enjoying the evening. The whole city felt alive. It was peaceful, beautiful, and a little surreal. Just sitting there on the boat, taking it all in with my friends, felt like something out of a dream.

    We ended the night by heading back to the hotel, tired, full, and grateful. It was a day filled with new sights, cultural connections, and moments I’ll remember for a long time.

    Day 3 in Tianjin was one for the books. From exploring one of the busiest ports in the world to walking the vibrant streets of Tianjin’s ancient market, every moment was layered with history, beauty, and connection.

    More adventures ahead… stay tuned.


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