Lower Peover Pupils Enjoy a Magical Cultural Exchange in Shanghai
Over the Easter holiday, pupils, staff and families from Lower Peover CE Primary School embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Shanghai, China, as part of an ongoing cultural exchange with PÔLE ÉDUCATION Petit ChouChou (PEPCC). This followed PEPCC’s visit to Cheshire last summer, when we enjoyed welcoming their children and families to our school. Their warm hospitality this spring was a heartfelt reciprocation and a true celebration of friendship across continents.
From the moment we arrived the experience was rich with cultural learning, warm connections and exciting new discoveries. We were greeted with a welcome dinner featuring the famous Beijing roast duck, kindly hosted by PEPCC families. It set the tone for a week full of authentic Chinese experiences and deepening bonds between our two school communities.
Learning Across Languages and Cultures
The children quickly bonded with their PEPCC buddies, participating in a range of activities designed to immerse them in Chinese culture. From watching dragon dances and singing traditional Chinese songs to learning Mandarin greetings and characters, our pupils embraced every opportunity to learn and connect.
They also enjoyed hands-on experiences like creating ink drawings of the famous Yu Garden, crafting dumplings, and performing in a traditional Chinese story shadow show. Meanwhile, parents took part in their own cultural classes, visited iconic sites such as the City God Temple and Yu Garden, and enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of the PEPCC parent community.
Exploring the Wonders of Shanghai
Beyond the classroom, our families explored some of Shanghai’s most iconic sights. From the bustling Nanjing Road to the panoramic views from the Oriental Pearl Tower, there was no shortage of awe-inspiring experiences. A highlight for many was an enchanting evening cruise along the Huangpu River, showcasing the glittering skyline of the Bund.
Our trip also included two exciting day trips—one to the picturesque water town of Wuzhen, with its historic canals and bridges, and another to Shanghai Disney, which delighted children and adults alike.
Building Friendships That Span the Globe
One of the most touching moments of the trip was the final evening’s BBQ, where children and parents from both schools gathered to share food, stories, and laughter. It was lovely to see how strong the connections had become over the week.
The final full day offered a stroll through the charming streets of the former French Concession area, including the vibrant Tianzifang and Anfu Road. After an afternoon of free exploration, the families gathered once more for a farewell dinner, marking the end of a truly remarkable journey.
A Celebration of International Friendship
Our Shanghai adventure was far more than a holiday, it was a meaningful cultural exchange that celebrated language, tradition, friendship, and global citizenship. We are incredibly proud of how our pupils embraced the experience, and we look forward to welcoming our PEPCC friends back to Lower Peover again in the near future.
A huge thank you goes out to the PEPCC staff, pupils and families for their incredible hospitality and to all the Lower Peover families who made this journey possible. Here's to many more shared memories across cultures and continents!