CYL YOUTH CULTURAL CHINA TOUR 2007

The 2007 CYL Youth Cultural China Tour was a great success that was enjoyed by all the 11 members led by Bridget Poon. The group departed Sydney on 7 December, and spent 28 days in China, with 12 days at a Winter Camp at Guangdong Overseas Chinese Vocational School in Guangzhou and followed by a tour of Shanghai, Beijing, Xian and Hong Kong. The group itinerary and arrangement was organised mainly by Joe Leung. The winter camp was supported by Guangdong Overseas Chinese Affairs Office. China Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd in Sydney arranged the flights and China Travel Services (Hong Kong) Ltd. arranged the tour in China.

The group only encountered minor problems (2 lost luggages, 1 lost camera, 1 counterfeit 100 yuan note) but continued on for what was a fun-filled intense month in China. As one participant stated “Overall excellent tour, tour guides, excellent concept and extremely well run and well catered for group.”

WINTER CAMP

This is the second year the tour has visited the Guangdong Overseas Chinese Vocational School. The school environment is very welcoming and gave good opportunities to meet people from many countries. The school community ranged from local students to those from Russia, Tajakstan, Congo and many other countries.

During the winter camp, participants were also given the opportunity to meet and spend some time with other Overseas Chinese Youth Groups including Chinese youths from New Zealand, Malaysian and Guatemala.

The accommodation, meals and facilities were great. Participant activities covered a wide range of Chinese culture with classes in calligraphy, tai chi and cooking Chinese cuisine. Excursions were also organised around Guangzhou, Foshan and Shenzhen.

The teachers who looked after participants were very hospitable and experienced with overseas students. They constantly went above and beyond their role to help the group with any issues like helping to locate missing luggage and buying gumboots!

The winter camp was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants making Guangzhou one of the favourites parts of the tour for all.

TOURING IN CHINA

The group found that all the tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. They were able to tell the group a lot of information about the sights, shopping/bargaining as well as how to get around and what to do at night time.

The group provided feedback on future tour planning regarding needs to understand the demographic of the members, class arrangement, excursion and activities suggestions, tour member preparation and alternative tours for members who had attended the tour previously.