A Passage to China kicked off right on schedule at 11:00 with the Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America immediately filled.  The constant hum of excitement filled the air as curiosity and discovery took hold.  Shortly after the opening, Hui's Lucky Lion Dance Team, danced their colorful dragons through the event attracting people from all over the mall with their drum call.  Children received "passports" that they filled with stamps as they "traveled" from presentation table to interactive event.  Once their "passports" were full and their knowledge likewise enhanced, they redeemed their "passports" for a good luck token.  The authentic food was great served in generous portions by Panda Express and bubble teas from the Tea Garden, both main stays at the Mall of America year 'round.

In full swing, people in colorful Chinese costumes circulated throughout the rotunda adding to the sense of being in a place not in Minnesota anymore.  Chinese immersion schools, like Yinghua Academy, Xin Xing Academy and Minnetonka Schools presented their powerful educational solutions.  The University of Minnesota's China Center demonstrated calligraphy and the Dragon Festival had a lively "wheel of fortune" like game.  The Minnesota Children's Theater was there with a ribbon activity and talking about its current production of "Mulan".

A Passage to China extended beyond just the rotunda with exhibitors in the hallway directing people to the Sears Court where non-stop performances were happening.  Tai Chi, tea ceremonies, dances and musical performers were dazzling audiences that were not only seated but hanging over the railings for multiple levels above.

According to Greg Hugh, event Chairperson, the event was "well attended and people were having fun".  There are many more presenters and exhibitors than we have mentioned and they are appreciated by all who come.  More than 50 organizations have participated to bring this experience to Minnesota and the people of the world.

Day two of A Passage to China had a different quality and comfort that was welcome.  Instead of the experience of a busy Hong Kong street Saturday, there was more opportunity for high quality exchanges with the wonderful people at the event.  Time to even catch up with friends or sit for an engaging tea ceremony put on by Qing of Sunny Sky Antiques.

Along the corridor, that linked the rotunda to the Sears court where live performances were continuously present was Zhang Ying and an assortment of wind instruments. Performances were presented to full audiences all day as Mall of America visitors lined the railings of levels above the main stage.  First and Second grade students from Xin Xing Academy performed dance and music routines, the Ha family presented a robust Lion Dance and so much more.  Back at the rotunda, the harding work seniors from the Chinese Senior Citizens Society offered calligraphy without a break as well as the folks at Shaanxi Association of Minnesota with the "host Mom" of the homecoming Queen (she was a visiting Chinese student) for Patrick Henry High School always available for information.

As the day wound down, all involved agreed that this years event was the best of the three year run.  Next year's will be even better.