From 27 April to 1 May 2026, 18 senior form boys took part in a five-day cultural exchange programme in Shanghai. The visit aimed to strengthen the sister-school relationship between St. Francis Xavier’s College and Beihong Senior High School of SHCM (formerly St. Francis Xavier’s College, Shanghai), and to provide our students with first-hand experience of school life, culture and family life in Shanghai.
Visiting the campus carried added meaning for our students, as they were able to connect with the roots and heritage of our Xavierian tradition while experiencing contemporary school life in Shanghai. During the visit, our students attended regular lessons with their Beihong counterparts and experienced the learning environment of a senior high school in Shanghai. Through classroom observation and interaction with local students, they gained a better understanding of student life and learning in another city. One of the memorable moments was an a cappella performance prepared by Beihong students, which warmly welcomed our boys and showed the school’s strong artistic culture.
The programme also included a range of cultural and educational activities. Our students joined a traditional Chinese craftsmanship workshop, visited the Museum of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and took part in a Huangpu River tour, where they learned more about the history, culture and development of Shanghai.
A special highlight of the trip was the opportunity to visit the homes of Beihong student ambassadors and join family dinners with local families. These experiences allowed our students to understand more about daily life in Shanghai and to build genuine friendships with their hosts.
The visit was a meaningful learning experience for our students. It broadened their horizons, deepened their appreciation of Chinese culture, and strengthened the friendship between the two schools. We look forward to further exchanges and continued collaboration with Beihong Senior High School of SHCM in the years ahead.