For information on a previous William Ellis School visit, please visit the link below, which has a range of photos and information about a trip involving William Ellis School and La Swap students. www.ucl.ac.uk/atlas/mandarin/first-impressions_02a.html

If you would like to visit the Yunnan Nationalities High School website, please go to www.ynmzzx.net you may need to install a language to view the site in full).

Some first impressions of China written by William Ellis School and La Swap pupils:

* China seems so huge, and Beijing is enormous as well. The city just goes on and on for ever, but the driving is so bad! There are so many interesting things to see, do and eat here, but huge numbers of people anywhere you go.

* It’s completely different to most of the countries I’ve seen before. Everything is so busy and chaotic … The people, the image, the atmosphere is definitely not was I ever expected.

* After a few days, what you see is only a fifth of the experience. The numerous bikes, crowded streets and huge buildings all give the city of Beijing a colossal feel. The smell of the fish, fruit and alien flavours that surround the city. The food always varies, with completely different ways of eating as well as the great variety. What you always feel is the enveloping humidity that can make you tired most of the time, but early mornings and late nights feel best. There is a lack of traditional music but the odd song of Chinese music through speakers does create a vivid atmosphere.

* After a few days in Kunming one definitely notices the difference between Beijing and Kunming i.e. the culture, weather (definitely noticeable, it is much cooler here).

* Well Beijing is probably the hottest place I have ever been too, but this is not that significant, it only means you need to shower about twice a day. Beijing flourishes with cultural sights, and is definitely a place to see in China.

* Kunming personally is better than Beijing in my view. The climate is more bearable than Beijing, and you can relax a lot more I feel without being drenched in sweat.

* I couldn’t believe the skyscrapers, there’s nothing like them in London. They weren’t just tall but their designs were all very different.