My Beijing volunteer workcamp

Project name: The Great Wall Preservation and Sustainable Rural Development

Q: What did I do in Beijing?

A: I joined a volunteer group dedicated to preserving the Great Wall and ancient villages historically linked to it. They look for volunteers to support their local heritage conservation efforts.

Q: What was my main responsibilities?

A: My tasks included:

• Creating an interactive map of the ancient village Cuan Dixia to highlight its rich history and stories, ensuring visitors gain a deeper connection beyond just taking photos.

• Brainstorming ideas to develop local products, merchandises and services tailored to different types of tourists.

• Experiencing local culture firsthand through activities like building model ancient houses, traditional printing, and Chinese opera. I also helped clean up litter and remove weeds damaging the Great Wall.

• Studying World Heritage Sites globally, focusing on specific areas of personal interest.

Q: What did I learn from this experience?

A: I gained some invaluable takeaways:

• Intercultural Collaboration: Learned to adapt and live alongside volunteers from diverse backgrounds, navigating differences in food, lifestyle, and language.

• Self-Reflection: Discovered more about my own personality and how I react when facing new or challenging situations (coping stances - you are many faces.)

• Physical Endurance: Got a great workout from hiking up and down the mountains every day!

• Cultural Resilience: Witnessed how a small community strives to preserve its heritage and stay sustainable in a modern world where people usually migrate to big cities.

Many thanks to all collaborations:

VSA Thailand

Volunteer Spirit

DreamWalker China

K.Tum

K. Gate

Joey Wong

Julie Chao

Mr. Han

And all of colleagues:

Dominik, Andy, Emilie B, Beatric, Merel, Maura, Anna F, Debora, Andrea, Amélia

Cheers!