A bustling Huishan Old Street, weathered by time, where ancestral halls stand like history books for seven hundred years. When WUIS students shoulder cameras and questionnaires to explore its deep lanes and gardens once more,the ancient ginkgo tree gains another ring of youthful vitality—a torch passed through cultural heritage, an academic dialogue spanning centuries. Join us as we revisit the project-based learning journey of seventh and eighth graders in Huishan Ancient Town.
Though seventh graders were newcomers to Huishan studies, mentored by teachers, their precision in topic selection, creativity in presentation, and depth of inquiry proved remarkable. Eighth graders, building upon prior achievements, delved into classical gardens—focusing on the famed Jichang Garden— unearthing the essence of Chinese aesthetics within its intimate landscape, their perspectives both novel andprofound.
After rigorous evaluation, thirteen groups emerged as finalists, showcasing their findings at the Grand Theater on June 25, 2025. Themes ranged from legendary figures to garden artistry, from master craftsmanship to local culinary traditions. Each pulsating with reverence for cultural inheritance.
Most compelling was Group 7H1’s agricultural research: Lost in Huishan s maze-like alleys, the students serendipitously encountered Li Shen’s verse— “Who knows that each grain in our bowl costs weary toil?” This sparked their quest to understand the controversial poet. Confronting polarized historical accounts, they resolved to reevaluate Li Shen through scholarly rigor, embarking on a cultural exploration that culminated In a creative “Self-Narration by Li Shen” presentation, vividly sharing their discoveries with the school community.
As the echoes of their defense dissolved into Huishan’s misty landscape, the temple bells suddenly tolled with a youthful resonance. Though ancient towns may fade with time, WUIS students have proven through passion and intellect: True cultural preservation thrives not in ceremonial homage, but in hands-on practice and relentless inquiry. To quote our young researchers:
“Ginkgo leaves in Huishan may fall and regrow, but our pursuit of history and culture remains forever young.”