The Mandarin Excellence Programme, initiated and funded by the British government and supported by the Ministry of Education of China, aims to cultivate Chinese language skills among British students. This year, over 100 students from across the UK visited Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and Chengdu. CGTN's Liu Yang followed their trip to Chengdu, organized by Southwest Jiaotong University. 

Drawing one of the world's most beloved animals – the giant panda - takes imagination and, of course, careful observation from on-site at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. At this exhibition, all art pieces were created by UK and Chinese students to raise awareness of this iconic species. At the same time, the students deepened their understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

LIU YAYING, Mandarin Teacher, St Mary Magdalene Academy "Via this trip to China, many activities inspired them a lot and had a significant impact on their outlook on life. Many British students said that they hope to come to China to continue studying Chinese in the future." 

Visiting Sanxingdui, the ancient Chinese archeological relics site, was a sight-seeing highlight of this trip.

Students said they were amazed to see the depth of Chinese culture through the relics here, like the gold masks, the giant standing figures, and the ancient bronze tree. And many said they now want to learn more about China's history.

FRANK BAILEY, Student, St Mary Magdalene Academy "I think it's really been interesting to experience a new culture, cause it's so different here, everything is massive. It's incredible to be here, and the Chinese history we have learned about at this museum and the museums of all that we have been to. It's been so interesting to find out about."

CHLOE KENT, Music Teacher, St Mary Magdalene Academy "It's just fascinating. Especially coming from London or England, where we have got such ancient culture as well. We have things like Stonehenge. These people from 1300 BC were managing to make these unbelievable artifacts. I think it's just breathtaking."

Over the past seven years, the Mandarin Excellence Programme has helped some 11-thousand British students develop their Mandarin skills. The lucky ones on this trip also experienced cultural immersion through activities from sports to calligraphy and cooking, opening opportunities for unique life experiences and lasting cross-cultural friendships. Liu Yang, CGTN, Sichuan Province.