Primary School Students from Hong Kong Learn Common Science Knowledge in Beijing Diabolo Museum

Primary school students from Hong Kong International School paid a visit to Beijing from May 17 to May 20, a program sponsored by both British Youth Fund in Hong Kong and Beijing Municipal Administration of Tourism. Beijing Diabolo Museum was one of the destinations, in which students experienced China’s traditional culture and scientific significance of folk art. There were altogether 300 students, ranging from Grade three to Grade six and from various countries and regions, such as Hong Kong, Britain, America, South Africa, Italy, India, and Australia.

The visit took three days, and each day three or four teams were received in the museum, with each team consisting of thirty one to thirty nine students. Four or five teachers were arranged to lead each team. Experienced educators were arranged by Beijing Diabolo Museum to provide the students with interpretation, demonstration and answering questions.

During the visit, students showed great interest in the history of diabolo and interesting stories related to diabolo. They also watched the wonderful performances staged by the volunteers from Diabolo Art Troupe and experienced China’s folk art: the charm of diabolo. An interactive activity was held and students could play diabolo one by one. While playing, they were very curious, asking various questions, such as why sound could come out from diabolo, why it could spin, why people like playing it and so on. They were so interested in the cultural atmosphere in the museum that it was really very hard for them to say goodbye.

This visit enabled primary school students form Hong Kong to learn about some science knowledge about China’s folk art, which promoted international cultural exchange, pushed forward the establishment of diabolo as China’s famous cultural brand on the international stage and quickened the pace of China’s intangible cultural heritage entering the world stage.