On April 29th, the first, second and third-grade students from the Puxi Campus set off eagerly for their spring outing, welcoming a day full of joy and exploration.

After a short voyage, the train carrying the first-grade students arrived at the gates of the Shanghai Zoo, where the children had an intimate “playdate” with various animals.

They first visited the primate wildlife hall, where the clever and lively chimpanzees were the epitome of vitality! Some of them were agilely jumping on high branches, showcasing their impressive skills; some were grooming each other’s fur, engaging in a warm interaction; and some were curiously eyeing the children, as if saying, “Come play with me!” The children were immediately entranced by their cuteness, and couldn’t help reaching out their hands to touch their fluffy bodies and have a close encounter. Some bold children even imitated the chimpanzees’ actions, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Next, they visited the elephant hall, where the majestic elephants left the children in awe. The elephants’ sturdy limbs supported their massive bodies like pillars, their rough and thick skin giving off a sense of solidity.

At noon, the children enjoyed their packed lunch on the zoo lawn and shared delicious snacks with one another. They soaked in the beauty of nature during the picnic whilst simultaneously strengthening their friendship.

After lunch, they eagerly continued their sightseeing. At the Lion and Tiger Mountain, the majestic lions and tigers allowed the children see the grandeur of nature. The lions’ golden manes glistened in the sunlight as they patrolled their territory in a kingly manner; the tigers’ colorful stripes and sharp eyes were intimidating, as they occasionally let out a deep roar, asserting their dominance. The children observed their every move intently, filled with awe and respect.

In the Giant Panda Hall, the lovably clumsy giant pandas captured the children’s hearts. Their round and fluffy bodies resembled giant fur balls, and their black and white fur looked exceptionally adorable. Some pandas were munching on bamboo with a focused expression, while others lounged lazily in the grass, soaking up the sun with a relaxed demeanor. The children stood by the glass window, watching the pandas with rapt attention, occasionally letting out exclamations and laughter, as if sharing their joy with them.

During the tour, the children not only enjoyed observing the animals’ cute appearances but also learned a lot about them. They carefully studied the animals’ characteristics, learned about their living habits, and also realized the importance of animal protection.

This spring outing not only allowed the children to have a close encounter with nature and animals, but also heightened their awareness of animal and wildlife protection. Through interacting with the animals, the children opened their hearts to them and contemplated the beauty of life, planting a seed of love for animals in their hearts. I believe that this unforgettable spring outing experience will forever stay in the children’s memories, becoming a precious treasure on their path of growth.

The second-grade children had a joyful day at the Shanghai Crane Valley Flower Farm.

Early in the morning, with eager anticipation, the children stepped into the gates of the flower farm. As they got off the bus, they were greeted by lush green grass and warm greenhouses filled with flowers. The fresh air after the rain invigorated everyone, and the children started playing games on the lawn. Laughter and shouts filled the air, marking the beginning of a wonderful day.

Next, the children entered the flower craft greenhouse, where they planted small strawberries and succulents under the guidance of the staff. They followed the steps carefully, tending to the tiny plants with care and hoping to take the potted plants home to nurture them. Additionally, the children completed interesting leaf collages, showcasing their unique creativity and imagination.

During lunchtime, the children sat together amidst the flowers and enjoyed the delicious food they brought. They chatted and shared snacks, strengthening their friendships. After lunch, they reminded each other to clean up their trash, demonstrating their civility as responsible young visitors.

Following that, the children divided into groups and ventured into the fragrant gardens. Along the rose-covered walls, flowers of various colors competed for attention, creating a beautiful spectacle. Near the small river, newly sprouted lotus leaves stretched out, showcasing new life. The children strolled along, admiring the flowers and laughing joyfully, adding a unique charm to their journey.

Later on, the children entered a small vegetable patch, where radishes of all sizes grew abundantly. They walked through the field, pulling out radishes with excitement and delight. Though the small radishes were too tiny for the dinner table, they were perfect for feeding the small animals. Before leaving, the children eagerly entered the lively petting zoo, getting up close and personal with the animals. Petting and feeding the furry animal friends warmed the children's hearts.

During this spring excursion, the children not only displayed teamwork and independence, but also showed empathy and extraordinary creativity. Amidst laughter and joy, they had a fulfilling day.

The third-grade children entered the gates of the Shanghai Wildlife Park with eager anticipation! This picturesque animal kingdom, nestled in the outskirts of the city, resembled an open, vivid science textbook, vast and teeming with various wildlife.

Excitement sparkled in the children's eyes as they eagerly explored this wondrous world. The giant pandas leisurely nibbled on bamboo, the golden snub-nosed monkeys moved agilely through the branches, the Tibetan antelopes gracefully strolled on the grasslands, the crested ibises danced elegantly in the sky, and the giraffes stretched their necks to savor the delicious leaves. These rare animals together created a harmonious ecological picture. Each animal amazed the children, feeling as if they had truly entered the animals' world, experiencing the mysteries and charms of nature first-hand.

This activity was not only a fun trip but also a precious educational experience. Under the guidance of the tour guide, the children learned about the animals' ecological habits, the food chain relationships, and the importance of conservation. They witnessed the living conditions of the wild animals and deeply understood the urgency of protecting these precious species. This trip provided them with a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and biodiversity, as well as a greater appreciation for the opportunity to coexist harmoniously with nature.

The children's curiosity was fully ignited, and they actively participated in various interactive activities, eagerly asking the tour guide about interesting facts about the animals. They helped each other and explored this unknown animal world together, showcasing outstanding teamwork.

This visit to the Shanghai Wildlife Park will become a cherished memory in the hearts of the third-grade children. They not only gained rich knowledge but also developed a love and reverence for nature. With this valuable experience, they will return to the campus and share their adventurous journey with their classmates, sharing the magic and charm of nature.

Written by Xi Chen, Jingyuan Zhang, Yu Lin

Pictures by Siying Li, Homeroom Teachers

Edited by Cong Luo, Bianca Noguera