Wanganui High School students received a special visit yesterday - Chinese ambassador to New Zealand Wang Lu Tong.
The ambassador visited the Confucius Room at the school where he met with students studying Chinese language and culture. The room and resources are funded by the Chinese Government in order to promote cultural understanding and exchange.
High school principal Garry Olver said it was a great honour for students and teachers to meet the ambassador.
"It is unlikely they would ever get to meet a person of his stature in China, so the visit is very significant."
The students, who are mostly Year 9, have been learning about Chinese language and culture for just three weeks.
"I could probably introduce myself if I met a Mandarin speaker," said student Cameron Mackintosh. "It is quite fun and I would like to learn more."
Siriah Steele is a Year 12 student who has joined the class for a special reason.
"I visited China last summer and stayed with my boyfriend's family there.
"He is fluent in English and I would like to become fluent in his language, too."
Teacher Beck Ding said students get to have fun while they learn and try different experiences.
"They have a go at calligraphy art, a bit of martial art training and enjoy some yum cha - as well as learning language."
Mr Ding is joined by Mandarin language assistant Cindy Liu, who is working at a number of schools in the region until the end of the year. Miss Liu said the experience of working here was "awesome".
"I love my life in New Zealand," she said.
The ambassador, accompanied by Whanganui MP Chester Borrows, met with a group of Chinese exchange students in the school library before attending a meeting with Wanganui Rotary Club.