When defining WildChina Education, the heart of our mission is centered around experiential education. But what does “experience” truly mean? To us, one of the key elements is the connection and exchange with people from different communities.

Guizhou has always captivated us. Every time we bring students here, it’s to expose them to a unique vitality that pulses through the region. Community service often becomes the bridge for quickly building bonds with local villagers. And this act of helping others and giving back has an incomparable power to heal, not just others, but ourselves.

Recently, Lina, the head of our operations team, embarked on a special mission to a Guizhou village. Her journey was filled with laughter and warmth, as shown in this video:

Over a Decade of Connection With Guizhou

Our relationship with Guizhou spans over ten years. During this time, we have brought numerous students from around the world to explore its picturesque landscapes and immerse themselves in the vibrant ethnic cultures. Through community service activities, like fostering exchange between international students and local schools, we’ve contributed to the sustainability of education in these remote villages.

Our deep-rooted connection with Guizhou has made us keenly aware of the needs of these communities, and we’ve always been eager to take action. From donating books and clothing to providing waterwheels, our commitment has never wavered.

Crossing Rivers to Deliver A Basketball Hoop

One day in August, Jacky, our local contact in Guizhou shared a video with us: the only basketball hoop in a remote mountain village had fallen into disrepair. The original hoop, crafted with local ingenuity—a simple iron ring, a wooden board, and a sturdy pole—had long been a source of joy for the villagers. But now, it needed to be replaced.

After a month of preparation, Lina made her way to Guizhou, bringing a new basketball hoop to the village. The journey was no small feat—reaching this remote village required crossing a river and transporting all the parts of the hoop took considerable effort.

Yet, the joy of seeing the new hoop come to life erased all the hardships. Lina and local villagers worked together to assemble the hoop.

And as soon as it was ready, the community gathered for an impromptu game, their excitement palpable.

Sustainable Travel A Mutual Support System

For WildChina Education, sustainability is woven into our cultural DNA. We recognize the inseparable connection between travel and the local communities we visit.

As our founder Mei Zhang defines it, sustainable travel is:

All about Diversity and Sense of Place

“Sense of place” means how a place makes you feel and what makes it special. It’s about the things that make a location unique, like its history, culture, or the memories you have there, and how those things create a strong connection to that place.

While a new basketball hoop may not seem like a monumental change, we believe these small gestures have profound impacts. They create lasting memories for both us and the communities we engage with.

This experience was more than just giving; it was about mutual healing. We were deeply touched by the pure, simple joy of the villagers. In this quiet village, far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life, we found that the essence of happiness is within reach. A new basketball hoop brought with it countless genuine smiles.

This is the essence of experiential education. We guide students to immerse themselves in different communities because happiness is defined differently in every corner of the world. By stepping out of the classroom and into the world, we witness the diverse beauty of life unfolding before our eyes.