Bill Qian, the author, is a rising sophomore at Montgomery Blair High School. He is the co-vice presidents of CYOC and has contributed to multiple CYOC projects including the vegetable garden and the Yunnan Cultural Exchange program. In the summer you can find him teaching online math for CYOC Magnificent Summer Program. Bill enjoys math, programming, and playing basketball in his free time.
Even before the plane touched down, we could see small glimpses of the beautiful landscape. However, looking through the window was nothing compared to being on the ground riding a bus through the stunning scenery.
Our first stop was at the No. 1 Malipo Elementary School, where the warmth and friendliness of the students and teachers made us feel at home right away. For the past 2 years, CYOC members have participated in weekly calls with these students discussing a variety of things ranging from daily life to schools to culture, developing a unique friendship along the way. As we were welcomed, we could spot some familiar faces among the crowd. Together, we planted a friendship tree, a symbol showing how our relationship would deepen with time, as the tree grew taller as well. They also performed a variety of cultural dances to welcome us to Yunnan and taught us how to make traditional demon masks, allowing us to experience their rich heritage and deepen our connection to Chinese culture.
Finally, at night, we enjoyed staying at a local student’s home. The parents greeted us with exceptional warmth and hospitality, making us feel at home, and provided us with delicious fruit and some very expensive tea. They also provided us with luxurious toiletries as well as slippers and mugs, making our stay very comfortable.
We said our goodbyes the next day and headed to a local high school to learn about Chinese calligraphy and experience a PE class, which allowed us to get a glimpse into Chinese students the same age as us. The calligraphy masters taught us the traditional technique and we had the opportunity to practice on a piece of Xuan paper. We immersed ourselves in the intricate art, which demanded a slow and precise approach, and paired with the calming music in the background, making the experience unique and highly enjoyable.
In the afternoon, we went to a local Nanyou village to learn the technique of making rainbow rice and embroidery. For the rainbow rice, the experts allowed us to soak the rice in the ye ourselves, and even get to taste the end-product.
After a delicious dinner, the local Nanyou students hosted an energetic performance featuring different styles and genres of dance and music, reflecting the rich tapestry of Nanyou. The evening continued with a massive bonfire party, and we participated in a variety of traditional dances around it.
飞机落地前，我们已能瞥见美丽的风景。然而，透过窗户看风景与在地面上乘坐巴士欣赏绝美风景相比，简直是小巫见大巫。
我们的第一站是麻栗坡第一小学，那里的学生和老师的热情友好让我们立刻有宾至如归的感觉。在过去的两年里，CYOC 成员每周都会与这些学生通话，讨论从日常生活到学校到文化的各种事情，一路上建立了独特的友谊。当我们受到欢迎时，我们可以在人群中看到一些熟悉的面孔。我们一起种了一棵友谊树，象征着我们的关系会随着时间的推移而加深，因为树也长得越来越高。他们还表演了各种文化舞蹈来欢迎我们来到云南，并教我们如何制作传统的恶魔面具，让我们体验他们丰富的文化遗产，加深我们与中国文化的联系。
最后，晚上，我们享受了在当地学生家中住宿的乐趣。家长热情好客地迎接了我们，让我们有宾至如归的感觉，还为我们提供了美味的水果和一些非常昂贵的茶。他们还为我们提供了豪华的洗漱用品以及拖鞋和杯子，让我们住得非常舒适。
第二天我们道别后前往当地一所高中学习中国书法，并体验了一节体育课，这让我们有机会一睹与我们同龄的中国学生的风采。书法大师教我们传统技巧，我们有机会在宣纸上练习。我们沉浸在复杂的艺术中，这需要缓慢而精确的方法，再加上背景中舒缓的音乐，让这次体验独一无二，令人非常愉快。
下午，我们去了当地的南油村学习制作彩虹米和刺绣的技术。对于彩虹米，专家们让我们亲自将大米浸泡在染料中，甚至品尝成品。
在享用美味的晚餐后，当地的南油学生举办了一场充满活力的表演，以不同风格和流派的舞蹈和音乐为特色，反映了南油丰富的风情。晚上继续举行了盛大的篝火晚会，我们参加了各种传统舞蹈。
We drove 3 hours to Mengzi City, to first take a tour of the Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles Exhibition Center, where we learned about the history of this authentic and renowned Yunnan delicacy. The dish is said to have taken its name from a love story about a husband crossing a bridge to an island to find a quiet and peaceful place to study, and the wife would bring him a hot and nourishing meal, knowing that he would be too engrossed in his work to eat.
When it was time to taste the famous soup noodles, we were greeted with a tray of raw ingredients alongside a steaming bowl of soup. As the ingredients were sliced thinly, they would cook quickly in the hot broth, and following the specific order and technique made the experience both interesting and delicious.
Overall, the food we tried throughout our trip to Yunnan was exceptional. We ate in traditional Chinese restaurants, sampled convenience store snacks and drinks, and enjoyed the delicious rice noodles with various soups and toppings.
Later, we explored the former site of the Southwest Associated University with a tour guide, learning a little history about how it formed and its causes. Back in 1937, when China was at war with Japan, 3 of the best universities in China needed a safe place for students to learn, so they fled to China’s remote and mountainous southwest to Yunnan. After that, we took a trip to the Bisezhai Yunnan-Vietnam Railway Historical and Cultural Park to take a couple of scenic photos on the railroad and next to one of the earliest trains in China. We then ate dinner and went to sleep.
Early the next morning, we headed to visit the Confucian temple and also the Zhujia Garden. At the garden, the tour guide brought us to see a vibrant display of flowers, complemented by the beautiful, authentic architecture that we also took a tour of.
After lunch, we visited the Lin’an Railway Station to take a train, specifically a French puddle jumper. Our first stop was at the Jianshui Shuanglong Bridge, one of China’s largest bridges, which was built in the Qing Dynasty on top of the Lijiang River and Tachonghe River. In Chinese culture, dragons are associated with water, so this bridge was nicknamed the Double Dragon Bridge. Even though it was raining outside, we decided to go out and take pictures, capturing breathtaking views, and making the soggy shoes and drenched clothes worth it.
We then went on a guided tour of Tuanshan's Characteristic dwellings, where we walked around the old architecture and also went to a tea shop. The shop featured shelves full of intricately crafted and expensive pottery as well as fruit tea which we sampled. It was delicious and refreshing, especially in the hot and humid climate.
However, I would consider the highlight of the day to be later at night, when we visited Purple Pottery Street, which was a night market. The place was illuminated by colorful lights and lanterns hung up on strings. There were stalls selling delicious-looking foods and other stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs to off-brand clothes. We walked through the crowded roads, trying not to get separated, and visited a multitude of vendors and shops, such as a pottery store, a watch vendor, and much more. Overall, this experience was something unique that you could never find over here in the States, and it was one of my favorite events on the trip.
We started off the next day with a delicious noodle breakfast and experienced the art of purple pottery. Each of us was given a spinning platform to mold a slab of clay into something we wanted to make, reminding me of the art classes in elementary school. Some of us managed to create beautiful pots and other items with the help of the pottery sculpting expert. In the end, the dirty hands and clothes were well worth the experience.
We drove the entire morning to arrive at the famous capital of Yunnan, Kunming City. After lunch, we went to visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum, which was home to a multitude of things from the scientific side of things such as evolution and dinosaurs as well as the cultural side of things such as pottery and artifacts from tomb excavations. Overall, it was a great experience to see the differences between American and Chinese museums as well as to learn more about Yunnan and Chinese culture.
In the afternoon, we visited the Southwest Forestry University, where we first learned a little history about the college, as well as the different types of trees, including a 25-meter-tall tree. However, I would argue that the highlight of this visit was in the tea culture research.
We were given small pastries made of tea leaves, which tasted phenomenal, and paired with the tea that was freshly brewed and served in an authentic way, it was truly a unique experience. During the tea art performance, where professional tea experts were performing how to brew tea, all of us were invited to partake in a traditional dance, which was a fun time. Later, we had the opportunity to brew tea ourselves, after learning from the tea art performance. Overall, this was a fascinating activity, where we delved into Yunnan’s rich heritage, learning about the art of making tea, and fostering a deeper connection to China.
The next day’s morning was packed with activities, touring the Yunnan Nationalities Village, a large cultural tourism complex that showcased the diverse ethnic groups of Yunnan, such as the Bai, Yi, Hani, Miao, and more. There, we had the opportunity to watch many of the cultural performances such as singing and dancing, which we learned how to do. The park also featured authentic Yunnan architecture, with each ethnic group showcasing its own unique touches.
The next stop was the Yunnan coffee factory, where we got a tour of the entire coffee-making process, from the grinding to the packaging, and also the educational exhibits explaining Yunnan’s role in coffee. Due to Yunnan being in the perfect latitude for growing coffee, with the perfect climate and conditions, it produces over 98% of China’s total coffee production. We even got the opportunity to taste the freshly brewed coffee, and even though I don’t drink coffee often, I could appreciate the deep and rich flavor.
Our next activity was visiting the Kunming International Flora Auction Center, where we got to the opportunity to take a look at a couple of the flowers, as well as see how the workers there would process the information of something being purchased on the big screen monitors. Close to the Auction center was a massive complex sprawling with vendors selling products made of these flowers, and going in there was like entering a busy mall at the crowdiest time. We went around and each of us bought a flower wreath, for the cheap price of only 3 Yuan.
The final event of the entire trip was a show titled Dynamic Yunnan, which was simply an outstanding production with exceptional choreography, performances, and music. The show offered a vivid portrayal of Yunnan’s different ethnic groups, through high-energy and passionate performances.
Early the next morning, we drove to Kunming Changshui International Airport, saying our goodbyes. As I boarded my flight, I glanced back at Yunnan, feeling a sense of sadness at leaving this wonderful place, but also feeling a profound sense of gratitude for every one of the organizers and everyone who helped make the trip possible.
Overall, Yunnan will not only be a magical place of rich culture but also a story of growth and self-discovery. The friendships and bonds that I have formed on this journey, could only be formed from experiencing things together from experiencing challenges and successes.
Interacting with people of all ages has been an eye-opening experience, allowing me to look at the world through the eyes of different people and highlight different beliefs and ideas.
Going to the local high school to interact with the Chinese teenagers to learn about Chinese calligraphy and PE has truly opened my mind to the differences between the US and China in many aspects from everything about the education system to personal hobbies to discipline.
Furthermore, this trip has taught me the invaluable skill of independence, as it is the longest trip away from my parents that I have taken. Things such as making sure I didn’t lose any valuables and adapting to different environments have taught me to rely on myself and find solutions to problems on my own.
To conclude, this trip to Yunnan has drastically changed my entire view of the world and helped me grow in unexpected ways. The invaluable experiences and lessons that I have learned will stay with me and influence my decisions long after I leave.
第二天，我们离开并驱车 3 小时前往蒙自市，首先参观了过桥米线展览中心，在那里我们了解了这种正宗而著名的云南美食的历史。据说这道菜的名字来自一个爱情故事，故事讲的是一位丈夫过桥到一个小岛上寻找一个安静平和的地方学习，妻子知道他太专注于工作而无暇吃饭，所以会给他送上一顿热腾腾的营养餐。
当我们品尝著名的汤面时，一盘原料和一碗热气腾腾的汤迎面而来。由于原料被切成薄片，它们会在热汤中快速煮熟，按照特定的顺序和技巧烹饪，这让体验既有趣又美味。
总的来说，我们在云南旅行期间尝试的食物非常特别。我们在传统的中餐馆吃饭，品尝了便利店的小吃和饮料，并享用了配有各种汤和配料的美味米粉。
后来，我们在导游的带领下参观了西南联大旧址，了解了它是如何形成和成因的一些历史。 1937 年，中国与日本交战，当时中国最好的三所大学需要一个安全的学习场所，于是他们逃到了中国偏远多山的西南地区云南。之后，我们去了碧色寨云越铁路历史文化园，在铁路上和中国最早的火车旁边拍了几张风景照。然后我们吃了晚饭就睡觉了。
第二天一早，我们去参观了文庙和朱家花园。在花园里，导游带我们去看了一片生机勃勃的鲜花，我们还参观了美丽而真实的建筑。
午饭后，我们去了临安火车站坐火车，特别是一列法国的水上火车。我们的第一站是建水双龙桥，这是中国最大的桥梁之一，建于清朝，横跨漓江和大冲河。在中国文化中，龙是因为与水有关，所以这座桥被昵称为双龙桥。尽管外面下着雨，我们还是决定出去拍照，拍下令人叹为观止的景色，让湿透的鞋子和湿透的衣服都值得。
然后，我们在导游的带领下参观了团山的特色民居，我们绕着古老的建筑走了一圈，还去了一家茶馆。这家店的货架上摆满了精雕细琢、昂贵的陶器，还有我们品尝的水果茶。它美味又清爽，特别是在炎热潮湿的气候下。
然而，我认为一天中最精彩的部分是在晚上晚些时候，我们参观了紫陶街，那是一个夜市。这个地方被五颜六色的灯光和挂在绳子上的灯笼照亮了。有的摊位卖看起来很美味的食物，还有的摊位卖手工制作的纪念品和非品牌服装。我们穿过拥挤的街道，尽量不走散，并参观了众多摊贩和商店，例如陶器店、手表店等等。总的来说，这种体验是在美国永远找不到的，也是我旅行中最喜欢的活动之一。
第二天，我们吃了一顿美味的面条早餐，体验了紫陶艺术。我们每个人都得到了一个旋转平台，可以将一块粘土塑造成我们想制作的东西，这让我想起了小学的美术课。在陶艺专家的帮助下，我们中的一些人成功制作出了漂亮的陶罐和其他物品。最后，脏兮兮的手和衣服是值得的。
我们开了一上午的车，到达了著名的云南省会昆明市。午饭后，我们去参观了云南省博物馆，馆内收藏了大量科学方面的展品，如进化论和恐龙，以及文化方面的展品，如陶器和古墓出土文物。总的来说，这是一次很棒的经历，让我们看到了美国和中国博物馆之间的差异，也让我们更多地了解了云南和中国文化。
下午，我们参观了西南林业大学，首先了解了大学的历史，以及不同类型的树木，包括一棵 25 米高的树。不过，我认为这次参观的亮点是茶文化研究。
我们得到了用茶叶做成的小糕点，味道非常好，搭配新鲜冲泡并以正宗方式端上的茶，这真是一次独特的体验。在茶艺表演期间，专业茶艺专家正在表演如何泡茶，我们所有人都被邀请参加传统舞蹈，这是一个有趣的时光。之后，在学习了茶艺表演后，我们有机会自己泡茶。总的来说，这是一项非常有趣的活动，我们深入了解了云南丰富的文化遗产，学习了泡茶的艺术，并与中国建立了更深的联系。
第二天上午的活动安排得很满，我们参观了云南民族村，这是一个大型文化旅游综合体，展示了云南的不同民族，如白族、彝族、哈尼族、苗族等。在那里，我们有机会观看了许多文化表演，比如唱歌和跳舞，我们学会了唱歌和跳舞。公园里还有正宗的云南建筑，每个民族都展示了自己独特的风格。
下一站是云南咖啡工厂，我们参观了整个咖啡制作过程，从研磨到包装，还有教育展品解释了云南在咖啡中的作用。由于云南位于种植咖啡的最佳纬度，气候和条件都非常好，因此中国咖啡总产量的 98% 以上都产自云南。我们甚至有机会品尝刚煮好的咖啡，虽然我不经常喝咖啡，但我能体会到咖啡的浓郁和醇厚的味道。
我们的下一个活动是参观昆明国际花卉拍卖中心，在那里我们有机会看了几朵花，也看到了那里的工作人员如何处理大屏幕上的购买信息。拍卖中心附近是一个巨大的综合体，里面有很多卖这些花制品的摊贩，进去就像在人潮最密集的时候进入一个繁忙的商场。我们四处逛了逛，每个人都买了一个花环，价格很便宜，只要3元。
整个旅行的最后一项活动是一场名为《动感云南》的演出，这是一场非常出色的演出，舞蹈、表演和音乐都非常出色。这场演出通过充满活力和激情的表演，生动地描绘了云南的不同民族。
第二天一早，我们驱车前往昆明长水国际机场，告别。登机时，我回首望向云南，对离开这个美妙的地方感到难过，但也对每一位组织者和帮助实现这次旅行的所有人深表感激。
总之，云南不仅是一个拥有丰富文化的神奇地方，也是一个成长和自我发现的故事。我在这次旅程中建立的友谊和纽带，只有通过共同经历挑战和成功才能形成。
与不同年龄段的人互动是一种令人大开眼界的经历，让我能够通过不同人的眼睛看世界，突出不同的信仰和想法。
去当地的高中与中国青少年互动，学习中国书法和体育课，真正让我了解到美国和中国在教育体系、个人爱好和纪律等许多方面的差异。
此外，这次旅行教会了我宝贵的独立技能，因为这是我离开父母最长的一次旅行。确保不丢失任何贵重物品以及适应不同的环境等事情教会了我依靠自己并自己找到解决问题的方法。
总之，这次云南之行彻底改变了我对世界的整个看法，并以意想不到的方式帮助我成长。我学到的宝贵经验和教训将伴随我并影响我离开后的很长一段时间内做出的决定。
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