10月底的杭州，树木与天空之间呈现出一片明亮的冷蓝色，赋予阳光愈加明亮的质感。

在这美好的秋季，惠灵顿杭州校区中学部学子走出校园，离开城市，在荒野徒步中感受自然；在摩托艇、悠波球、高空滑索等项目中突破自我；在冰川、谷地、海岛的美景里与星辰为伴……

体验式教育的先驱之一库尔特·哈恩曾说：“人格是在课堂之外形成的。”在大自然中，学生们学到的知识将为他们带来根本性的触动和转变。

一年一度的“变革者之周”研学之旅，旨在为学生打造与课堂知识相呼应的真实生活体验。他们亲临教科书中描绘的地点与地貌，更有机会与特定领域的专家面对面交流。

在此过程中，学生们不仅学习新技能、拓展既有能力，更促进个人成长，提升学业完成度与学习热情。培养的技能涵盖团队合作与领导力，挑战极限、勇于承担风险的胆识，以及直面失败、坚持不懈、勇于尝试的坚韧。

在研学期间，他们持续秉持惠灵顿杭州校区的价值观——仁、义、礼、勇、信，实现语言发展和个人成长，培养起坚忍不拔的毅力和全球公民的品质，逐渐成长为全面发展的未来领袖。

接下来，请跟随我们的视角，回顾孩子们在5个国家、12个城市的精彩研学之旅吧！

东京，这座融合了古老与现代的都市，以其丰富的历史地标和前沿科技而闻名于世。古老的城堡、静谧的寺庙、雅致的茶馆以及传统的日式房屋，仿佛将人们带回到那遥远的江户时代。从武士的英勇到文人的风雅，从平民的日常到贵族的奢华，历史的痕迹在东京的每一个角落都留下了深刻的印记。

此次东京研学之旅，学生们踏上了一段精彩纷呈的文化与科技探索之旅。无论是想要领略魅力四射的城市地标，还是渴望深入体验日本的传统文化，亦或是享受酒店的奢华住宿，东京都为学生们带来了意想不到的惊喜。

在东京，学生们将漫步于充满历史韵味的浅草老城区，拜访著名的浅草观音寺，感受浓厚的宗教氛围。他们还将前往原宿，欣赏充满活力的街头艺术和前沿的青年时尚文化；探索银座，这座东京最古老的娱乐和购物区，品味都市的繁华与精致。

此外，学生们还将参观东京证券交易所，了解金融市场的运作机制；探访互动科学博物馆，体验科技的魅力与创新。东京迪士尼乐园的欢乐一天，更是为此次研学之旅增添了一份难忘的回忆。

冰岛，这片充满神秘色彩的北欧国度，以其令人叹为观止的自然奇观、深厚的维京文化底蕴、丰富的文学与音乐传统而闻名于世。壮丽的瀑布、广袤的冰川、温暖的温泉以及喷薄而出的间歇泉，构成了冰岛独特的自然景观，使其成为探险爱好者和美景追寻者的理想圣地。

在这片神奇的土地上，学生们深入了解了再造林的重要性，探索生态系统的奥秘，并学习如何逆转长达数百年的环境退化。他们还深入探究了冰岛火山活动频发的科学原理，亲身体验紫色沙漠的壮丽景致，点燃内心深处的探险精神。

在此次研学之旅中，学生们踏足珀兰自然探索博物馆，感受大自然的鬼斧神工；漫步辛格维利尔国家公园，领略地质奇观的独特魅力；探访凯里欧火山口湖，体验火山地貌的震撼力量；参观维京世界博物馆，追溯冰岛悠久的历史与文化。

通过这一系列丰富多彩的研学活动，学生们不仅将拓宽视野，增长知识，更将在服务学习中培养责任感，在地理探索中提升科学素养，在探险旅程中锤炼勇气与毅力。雷克雅未克，必将成为他们人生中一段难忘的学习与成长之旅。

西西里岛，地中海之珠，以其独特的地理多样性而闻名。这片神奇的土地，既有蜿蜒的海岸线和保存完好的海底世界，也有肥沃的火山斜坡，堪称地理实地考察的绝佳场所。

此次西西里岛研学的亮点之一，便是探访欧洲最大的活火山——埃特纳火山。学生们亲眼目睹了火山景观的壮丽与震撼。这片神奇的土地既孕育着生机，又潜藏着危险，学生们深入探究了当地农业社群如何在火山环境的双重影响下维系生存，学习他们应对自然挑战的智慧与策略。

西西里岛的渔业和旅游业蓬勃发展，为人文地理学和全球视野课程项目提供了鲜活而丰富的研究案例。学生们还亲身体验岛上的风土人情，感受意大利人民的热情好客。

宜人的气候、迷人的风光，加之深厚的文化底蕴，使此次实地考察成为一次充满欢乐与收获的研学之旅。学生们将在行走中学习，在体验中成长，拓宽视野，深化对地理与全球问题的理解。

Kia Ora（毛利语“你好”），欢迎踏入这片被誉为天堂的土地。提及新西兰，脑海中不禁浮现出那令人叹为观止的国家公园、珍稀的奇异鸟以及《指环王》中那史诗般的奇幻世界。

此次研学之旅，学生们从繁华的奥克兰启程，前往充满文化气息的惠灵顿，沿着《指环王》中魔戒远征队的足迹，展开了一场充满自我发现、团队合作与探险前行的史诗旅程。在这段旅程中，学生们深入探索了《指环王》的文化底蕴，通过一系列探险活动、文化体验和电影奇观，培养坚韧不拔的毅力和无畏的韧性。

学生们组建了属于自己的远征队，发扬团队精神，跟随那些最具标志性的文学角色的脚步，深化对相关文学文本的理解。他们在新西兰壮丽的北岛上探索，亲眼见证那些激发作者J.R.R. 托尔金创作灵感的地点，并亲身体验书中所描述的惊险与刺激。

通过悠波球、高空滑索、摩托艇等一系列激动人心的活动，学生们学会了如何克服内心的恐惧，挑战自我极限。这不仅是一场文学与探险的交融之旅，更是一次心灵与意志的锤炼之旅。

内蒙古，这片广袤的土地，不仅拥有壮丽的沙漠景观，更以其8700万公顷的辽阔草原而闻名，占中国草原面积的35%。这片一望无垠的大草原，蕴藏着独特的美丽与生机。

在这片绿色的海洋中，学生们将踏上探索之旅，深入学习和欣赏蒙古族人民丰富而充满活力的游牧文化。在一望无际的大草原上，学生们将亲身体验地道的当地生活：搭建并居住在传统的蒙古包里，学习射箭技能，品尝当地美食。通过与游牧家庭的密切互动，他们进一步深入了解了这一独特的文化。

学生们还前往了荒凉却风景如画的沙漠，像当地人一样体验艰苦的环境。骑骆驼、玩滑沙、学习生存技能、徒步探险，这些活动不仅让他们深入理解团队合作的重要意义，更让他们习得各种新技能。

此外，学生们还参与了一项意义深远的服务项目——亲手种植树木，为绿化环境的全球事业贡献自己的力量。

北京，作为中国的政治与文化心脏，以其深厚的历史文化底蕴和众多世界级景点而闻名于世。故宫的宏伟、天坛的庄严，这些代表国家历史文化的地标，使北京成为世界上拥有世界文化遗产地最多的城市。

对于学生们而言，北京是一座充满机遇的宝库，这里有无数值得聆听、学习和探索的地方，是深入了解中国历史文化的研学目的地。

在黄花城水长城上，学生们踏上了徒步之旅，感受古老长城的雄伟与壮丽。他们还参与了坝降和皮划艇活动，从不同角度领略长城的风采，既锻炼了身体，又提升了意志。

走进著名的紫禁城，学生们沉浸在古代建筑的辉煌之中。他们不仅欣赏到了真实的建筑艺术，还在随后的研讨会中动手建造小型隔室，全面探索古代中国建筑的魅力及其背后的历史文化底蕴。

此外，学生们还参与了丰富多彩的文化活动：寻宝游戏激发了他们的探索精神，文化知识竞赛考验了他们的学识储备，京剧表演则让他们亲身体验了中国传统艺术的魅力。

在这座古老而又现代的城市中，学生们沉浸在美好的文化氛围中，感受着北京的无穷魅力，收获了一段难忘的研学记忆。

成都，这座坐落于四川盆地平原西部的城市，以其悠久的历史和丰富的文化遗产而闻名遐迩。而距成都仅两小时车程的雅安，不仅拥有广阔完善的户外活动基地，更毗邻大熊猫的自然栖息地，为研学之旅增添了无限魅力。

此次研学之旅，学生们深入体验了成都文化的精髓。川剧，作为西南地区最古老、最有趣的戏曲形式之一，完美融合了当地方言、习俗、民间音乐和舞蹈，让学生们领略了传统艺术的独特魅力。

位于雅安附近山区的碧峰峡大熊猫基地，是全球最大、最重要的大熊猫繁育中心之一。在这里，学生们积极参与清洁大熊猫圈舍、观察喂食等志愿服务项目，近距离感受国宝的可爱与珍贵。

此外，学生们还探访了龙门洞景区和茶园，置身于大自然的怀抱中，感受自然的宁静与美好。在碧峰峡峡谷，他们进行了一次“无痕山林”生态徒步旅行。无痕山林（Leave No Trace，简称LNT）倡导的七项原则，旨在促进可持续性，减少人类对环境的影响，让学生们在实践中深刻理解生态保护的重要性。

参观四川博物馆更是此次研学之旅的一大亮点。馆内陈列的陶器、青铜器、书法、绘画、陶瓷等珍贵展品，带领学生们穿越时空，感受巴蜀文化的深厚底蕴。

德清，这片被誉为“名山湿地古镇”的灵秀之地，不仅以其自然风光的秀美令人心旷神怡，更以其深厚的历史文化底蕴引人入胜。在这片绿意盎然的土地上，孩子们通过参与一系列丰富多彩的活动，锤炼了自身的韧性与毅力。

竹编工艺、竹筒饭制作等文化体验活动，不仅让孩子们深入了解了中华传统饮食文化的精髓，更让他们领悟到“天人合一”这一中国传统文化观念所强调的人与自然和谐统一的思想精髓与文化内涵。在亲手编织竹器和制作美食的过程中，孩子们感受到了传统文化的独特魅力。

此外，孩子们还亲身体验了各种非物质文化遗产项目，与传统文化进行了一次零距离的亲密接触。无论是细腻的工艺，还是悠久的传统，都在孩子们心中留下了深刻的印记。

三亚位于中国海南岛的最南端，是一座狭长的城市，坐拥绵延数百公里的海岸线。美丽的海滨风光使三亚成为中国最著名的海滨度假胜地，享有“东方夏威夷”的美誉。赤脚漫步在三亚湾的白色沙滩上，椰风和海浪声交织入耳；换上潜水服，潜入蔚蓝大海的深处，五彩斑斓的热带鱼和鲜艳的珊瑚穿梭其间；穿越雨林，呼吸纯净的氧气，踏上一场净肺之旅。三亚的美在于浪漫的海洋、翠色的雨林和悠久的文化景点，在于令人陶醉的惊喜。

这次户外探险的主题是户外运动、雨林自然探索和社区服务。迷人的海滨风光使三亚成为中国最著名的海滨度假胜地之一。在这里，学生获得了许多独特的体验。位于海南岛南部的三亚湾是人气颇高的冲浪目的地，这里海浪平缓，适合初学者和专业人士。

在孕育着神秘动植物的雨林，学生们能够感受大自然的力量，体验不同的文化，探索未知的世界；志愿者是社区服务的重要资源，学生参与社区服务具有重要意义，有助于提升他们的人生价值，促进社区的健康文明发展。

At the end of October, the sunlight broke through with a heightened tone against the bright, cold blue hue between the trees and the sky in Hangzhou. 

In this enchanting autumn season, pupils from the Senior School at Wellington College Hangzhou ventured beyond the campus and the city to immerse themselves in nature through wilderness hikes, push their limits with activities like jetboating, zorbing and ziplining, and to revel in the splendour of glaciers, valleys and islands under starry skies. 

Kurt Hahn, a pioneer of experiential education, “The destiny of character is shaped outside the classroom.” What pupils learn from nature resonates deeply and transforms them in fundamental ways. 

Our annual Changemakers Trips are designed to give pupils real-life experiences that are aligned with the topics and subject content delivered in school. Pupils will see for themselves the locations and features that they study in textbooks and meet experts from different fields of study. 

Throughout their trips, pupils learn new skills and develop existing ones to grow as individuals and improve their classwork and motivation. Trips also allow pupils to improve their teamwork and leadership skills, push their limits to become better risk-takers and be open to failing and trying again.  

Whilst on residential trips, we continue to live by our values at Wellington College Hangzhou – kindness, responsibility, respect, courage and integrity - guiding pupils to achieve language development, personal growth, resilience and global citizenship, shaping well-rounded future leaders. 

Read on to revisit the exciting trips of our pupils across twelve cities and five countries. 

Tokyo, a city that blends the ancient and the modern, is renowned for its rich historical landmarks and cutting-edge technology. Ancient castles, tranquil temples, elegant tea houses and traditional Japanese-style residences seem to transport visitors back to the distant Edo period. From the valour of the samurai to the grace of the literati, from the everyday life of the commoners to the opulence of the nobility, echoes of their existence still ring throughout the city. 

On this Tokyo trip, pupils embarked on a fascinating journey of cultural and technological exploration. Whether they wished to appreciate the city's dazzling landmarks, immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture, or enjoy the luxurious accommodations of top hotels, Tokyo offered pupils unexpected surprises. 

Pupils strolled through the historic Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town, visited the renowned Asakusa Kannon Temple and immersed themselves in the rich religious ambience. They also ventured to Harajuku to appreciate the dynamic street art and avant-garde youth fashion culture. Exploring Ginza, one of Tokyo’s oldest entertainment and shopping areas, they savoured the city's bustling sophistication and elegance. 

They also visited the Tokyo Stock Exchange to gain insights into the mechanisms of financial markets and explored an interactive science museum to experience the allure and innovation of technology. Of course, spending a day at Tokyo Disney added an unforgettable memory to their study trip. 

Iceland, a land of mystery, is renowned for its captivating natural splendours, rich Viking history and vibrant literary and musical traditions. Its breathtaking landscapes, featuring majestic waterfalls, vast glaciers, soothing hot springs and dramatic geysers, have made Iceland a favoured destination for adventurers seeking stunning vistas. 

On this enchanting land, pupils explored the importance of reforestation, uncovered the intricacies of ecosystems, and learned strategies to reverse the effects of environmental degradation over centuries. They investigated the scientific reasons behind Iceland's increased volcanic activity, marvelled at the phenomenon of deserts turning purple, and reignited their inner adventurers and explorers. 

During this trip, pupils visited the Perlan Nature Exploratorium, where they marvelled at the exquisite craftsmanship of nature; strolled through Thingvellir National Park, appreciating the unique charm of geological wonders; explored the Kerio volcanic crater lake, experiencing the awe-inspiring power of volcanic landscapes; and toured the Viking World museum, delving into Iceland's long-standing history and culture. 

These diverse and enriching study activities broadened pupils’ horizons, increased their knowledge, cultivated a sense of responsibility through service learning, enhanced their scientific literacy in geographical exploration, and forged courage and perseverance on their adventure journey. Reykjavik will surely become an unforgettable chapter in their lives, a journey of learning and growth. 

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts a treasure trove of geographical diversity. Its coastline, pristine seabed, the fertile volcanic slopes, render it an ideal destination for a geography field trip. 

A highlight of the trip to Sicily was the visit to Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, where pupils took in the awe-inspiring views of the volcanic terrain. This region presents a landscape of opportunities, yet it also harbours potential threats. Pupils gained insight into how the local farming communities managed the dual impacts of a volcanic environment, learning about their wisdom and strategies for adapting to changes in the natural landscape. 

Fishing and tourism are significant contributors to the island's economy, offering abundant material for case studies in human geography and global perspectives coursework. With its superb climate and the warmth of Italian hospitality, the field trip to Sicily was assured to be both delightful and instructive. 

The pleasant climate, enchanting scenery and cultural heritage made this trip enjoyable and rewarding. Pupils learned on the go, grew through experience, broadened their horizons and deepened their understanding of geography and global issues. 

Kia Ora! Welcome to the land reputed as paradise. When most people think of New Zealand, they probably think of incredible national parks, the rare Kiwi bird, and the unbelievable fantasy depicted in The Lord of the Rings.  

This trip led pupils on an epic expedition from the vibrant city of Auckland to the culturally rich capital of Wellington. They traced the path of The Lord of the Rings and embarked on a personal quest of self-discovery, collaboration and adventure, immersing themselves in the cultural charm of The Lord of the Rings. Through a variety of thrilling activities, cultural experiences and cinematic explorations, they honed their determination and fortitude. 

In this enchanted realm, pupils followed in the footsteps of the most iconic literary characters as they cultivated their fellowship and deepened their comprehension of the literary works. They explored the majestic North Island, witnessed the very landscapes that had inspired the author J.R.R. Tolkien, and experienced the exhilaration and adventures depicted within the pages of the book. 

They vanquished their fears and pushed their personal boundaries through a myriad of thrilling activities such as zorbing, ziplining and jetboating. It was not merely a trip that combined literature and adventure, but also a journey that honed the mind and strengthened the will. 

Inner Mongolia is also renowned not only for its deserts but also for vast grasslands, which span 87 million hectares and constitute 35% of China's total grassland area. With a verdant panorama that extends to the horizon, the steppes possess a beauty that is uniquely their own. 

The pupils explored this expansive grassland, learning about and appreciating the rich and vibrant nomadic culture of the Mongolian people. On the horizon-stretching grasslands, the pupils lived as true Mongolians, building and sleeping in traditional yurts, learning archery, and savouring local delicacies. Through close engagement with nomadic families, they gained a deeper understanding of this distinctive culture. 

They then ventured into the arid yet scenic landscape of a desert, experiencing the challenging environment as the locals do. They rode camels, participated in sand tobogganing, learned survival skills, and went hiking, acquiring a range of new abilities while recognising the significance of teamwork. 

Pupils then participated in a courageous service project, planting trees and contributing to the global effort. This was not just a physical challenge but also a profound spiritual experience. 

Beijing, the political and cultural capital of China, is renowned for its profound historical and cultural legacy and numerous world-class attractions that embody the nation's history and culture, such as the majestic Forbidden City and the solemn Temple of Heaven. It holds the title of the city with the most world cultural heritage sites globally. 

For our pupils, Beijing is a treasure hub full of opportunities, with countless places worth listening to, learning from, and exploring, making it the best destination for in-depth trip of Chinese history and culture. 

Pupils hiked on the Great Wall of Huanghuacheng to witness the majesty and grandeur of the ancient Great Wall. They also engaged in abseiling and kayaking, admiring the Great Wall from various perspectives while enhancing their physical and mental strength. 

They visited the renowned Forbidden City, captivated by the charm of ancient architecture. From observing real buildings to constructing smaller models in a workshop, pupils received a comprehensive education on the beauty and allure of ancient Chinese architecture, along with the history and culture it represents. 

There was also a scavenger hunt that ignited their spirit of exploration, a cultural knowledge competition that tested their knowledge base, and a Peking Opera performance that allowed them to immerse themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese art. 

In this ancient yet modern city, pupils were immersed in a rich cultural atmosphere, feeling the endless charm of Beijing, and gaining an unforgettable trip memory. 

Chengdu, situated in the western plain of the Sichuan Basin, boasts a rich history and a deep cultural heritage. Ya'an, located just two hours from Chengdu, serves as an ideal base for a wide array of outdoor activities and is close to the natural habitat of the Giant Panda, adding immeasurable charm to the trip. 

Pupils experienced the essence of local culture from the Sichuan region. Sichuan Opera, one of the oldest and most fascinating opera forms in Southwestern China, is a perfect fusion of the local dialect with customs, folk music and dances from various regions, offering pupils a glimpse into the enchanting traditional art. 

Nestled in the mountains near Ya'an, the Bifengxia Panda Center is one of the world's largest and most significant breeding centres for the Giant Panda. Here, pupils participated in a service project, cleaned the panda enclosures and observed feeding sessions, experiencing the endearing and precious nature of these national treasures up close. 

They visited Longmendong Cave and tea plantations, immersing themselves in the tranquillity and beauty of nature. They also undertook an eco-hike at the Bifengxia Gorge, adhering to the 'Leave No Trace' principles, or LNT, a set of 7 principles developed to promote sustainability and minimise human impact on the environment. 

The visit to the Sichuan Museum was also a major highlight of the trip. The pottery, bronze ware, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics and other exhibits allowed the pupils to journey back in time and space, experiencing the heritage of Sichuan culture. 

Deqing, a region acclaimed for its famous mountains, wetlands, and ancient towns with spiritual beauty, captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural scenery and its profound historical and cultural heritage. On this verdant land, pupils honed their resilience and perseverance through a series of diverse and enriching activities. 

Cultural experiences like bamboo weaving and bamboo rice making helped pupils explore the essence of Chinese traditional cuisine culture and understand the concept and cultural connotation of the unity of nature and humanity in traditional Chinese culture. Through the activities of bamboo weaving and food preparation, they were able to experience the unique charm of traditional culture. 

Pupils also immersed themselves in various intangible cultural heritage projects, learning traditional culture more closely. From delicate craftsmanship to ancient traditions, everything left a lasting impression on the pupils. 

Sanya is situated at the southernmost point of China's Hainan Island. This elongated city is nestled along a coastline that extends for hundreds of kilometres. Its stunning seaside scenery has established Sanya as China's most renowned seaside resort, earning it the reputation of the ‘Hawaii of the East.’ Strolling barefoot along the white sandy beaches of Sanya Bay, one is greeted by a coconut-scented breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves. Donning a wetsuit and diving into the azure depths of the sea reveals a world teeming with vibrant tropical fish and luminous corals. A walk through the rainforest offers the chance to inhale pristine air, cleansing one's lungs after a long period of urban living. The allure of Sanya extends beyond its romantic seas, verdant rainforests, and rich cultural heritage—it is the very essence of enchantment. 

The themes of this outdoor exploration are outdoor sports, rainforest nature exploration and community service. The stunning seaside scenery makes Sanya one of China's most renowned seaside resorts, offering our pupils a plethora of unique experiences. Sanya Bay, located in the south of Hainan Island, is one of the most popular destinations for surfing, with stable waves that are suitable for both beginners and professionals. 

The rainforest, a sanctuary for magical flora and fauna, offered pupils the opportunity to relish spectacular vistas, experience the might of nature, delve into diverse cultures and venture into the uncharted. Pupils also partook in community service as volunteers, which enriched their lives and fostered the wholesome growth of the community.