1 October is National Day! Learning about China is not limited to reading history textbooks. Travelling by high-speed rail, using navigation on a mobile phone and even taking part in traditional festive activities can all help us discover different aspects of the country’s development. Let’s start with everyday life and see how much you know!
Travelling by High-Speed Rail Brings Cities Closer
Have you ever travelled by high-speed rail? From Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, we can take the high-speed rail to different cities in China. The fast transport network brings places closer together, making it easier for people to travel, visit family and connect with one another. The next time you travel by high-speed rail, look out for the stations, railway tracks and city views along the way. See how developments in transport have changed people’s lives.
Finding Your Way with Satellites
When going out, many people use maps on their mobile phones to find their way. But have you ever wondered how your phone knows where you are? China’s independently developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System provides positioning and navigation services. Besides helping people find their way, the technology is also used in transport, agriculture, rescue operations and safety monitoring. When we check a map on our phones, satellites far away in space are helping us work out exactly where we are!
Appreciating Culture and Keeping Traditions Alive
Festive customs, traditional crafts, local food and artistic performances all reflect the distinctive cultures and wisdom found in everyday life across China. We can appreciate Chinese culture and find new ways to share it with others. For example, we can join a traditional crafts class, make a short video about a festive activity or learn how to cook a traditional dish from a family member. As long as people are willing to discover, learn about and share these traditions, traditional culture can continue to be passed down from one generation to the next.
From high-speed rail to satellite navigation, and from everyday technology to cultural heritage, China’s development is closely connected with our daily lives. We can put citizenship into practice by taking the initiative to learn about the country’s development and culture, and share our discoveries with the people around us. Citizenship (C) is one of the six key learning attributes of the PICCKS Student Scheme. It encourages students to fulfil their civic responsibilities, take an active interest in community welfare, safeguard national interests and uphold the national image.
Now for a creative challenge: if you design an app showing China through your eyes, what features would you include? Would you create a high-speed rail city exploration game, a BeiDou navigation puzzle or an interactive map introducing traditional culture? EdCity will soon launch the National Identity App Design Competition 2026/27, inviting students to design interesting and useful apps based on the country’s development and achievements. It is also an opportunity for students to put their innovation and creativity into practice.
A good entry can demonstrate Citizenship (C) while also drawing on the other five PICCKS learning attributes: Positive Mindset and Values (P), Innovation and Creativity (I), Communication and Collaboration (C), Knowledge and Skills (K), and Sportsmanship (S). Something you notice in your daily life could become the starting point for your next creative project! Remember to check the EdCity PICCKS Student Scheme webpage for the latest updates, and get ready to turn your discoveries into a competition entry!
Additional Learning Resource: Fun Post Video Learning Library (Please select the Citizenship category on the webpage.)
