I travelled to China with my family last year and would like to share some pictures from this trip.

It was hot when we arrived in Xiamen, China, to help prepare for our son’s wedding celebrations. We were looking forward to a ten-hour car journey to our daughter-in-law’s home village in Hunan Province. After packing everything in the car, including the dog, we set off on the long drive. We stopped halfway through the night and enjoyed some traditional hospitality and local food.

The following day we continued our journey and finally arrived at the village, where we were warmly welcomed by the family.

The next few days were busy with wedding preparations. We wanted to do something special for the children in the village, so we set up a few tables with paper and crayons. Such creative activities are not frequently available to them at school, so we thought this would be a lovely thing for them to do. I was warmly welcomed by a group of enthusiastic children, eager to express themselves through drawing and to talk with me in English. I appointed one boy as my helper. He was delighted to help me and the younger children. Together, we carefully punched holes in each drawing, threaded ribbons through the corners and displayed them proudly on the railings for all to enjoy.

Family, friends, and the local community all contributed to making the wedding celebrations special. Everyone joined in the festivities, creating an enriching experience and unforgettable memories.

Tina Atchison-Thomas is Outreach and Programme Coordinator at Canterbury Christ Church University and comes from a Fine Art background with a BA and MA in Painting. Tina supports the Arts and Culture team with creative projects, administration, promoting and developing arts and cultural activities across the university community.