Participants in the first Notre Dame Academy China trip embarked June 6 for a nine-day adventure. It was, according to theology teacher Jane Hall, “a wonderful opportunity for the students as well as the adults who were able to travel with them.”

The planning for this trip began about 18 months ago and resulted in 18 students, four parents, and four teacher-chaperones exploring the remarkable country of China.

This trip cost around $4,000 depending on when the students signed up to attend.

The trip participants visited Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai. They also visited many historical sights such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace.

“My favorite part of the trip was seeing Shanghai from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower,” said senior Logan Tennity.

They also experienced many of the cultural traditions in China such as tea appreciation, visiting a silk factory, watching a KungFu show and attending mass in Beijing.

Junior Megan Zasuly said that her favorite part of the trip was the river cruise around Shanghai.

Qiuhong Zhang, NDA’s Chinese teacher said, “I wanted our students to have a unique experience.”

They enjoyed the sights, ate many types of Chinese food and shopped the markets.

To be able to make this trip successful the students, parents, and teachers went through preparations, such as reading handbooks and attending many meetings.

Many students that attended this trip have decided that they want to go back to China next year or even study there in the future.