A child-led introduction to Sandouping in Hubei province, China, suitable to support study of a location in Asia at KS3.
The video
A child-led introduction to Sandouping in Hubei province, China.
Li Memgke lives near Sandouping in the shadow of the Three Gorges Dam, very close to the Yangtze river.
Her family had to move here when the dam was built because their home was in the path of the new construction.
The dam was built to protect parts of China from flooding and to harness the river Yangtze’s power to generate electricity.
It lies in the Gorge area of China, famous for its beautiful peaks and picturesque stretches of river.
Memgke lives with her grandparents, as both her parents have had to travel away for work.
They spend the whole year working in Guangdong province, over a 20-hour drive away.
Memgke is preparing for their return so that the whole family can celebrate Spring Festival (Lunar/Chinese New Year) together.
She goes into town with her grandfather to buy Chinese lanterns, decorations and fireworks and explains that red is the traditional colour for this celebration.
Once home, they prepare a Chinese feast and collect vegetables from their vegetable patch on the slopes of the hills near their house.
The food is traditional and there are many dishes. When her parents arrive they sit down together and eat, then let off Chinese fire crackers and watch the spectacular firework displays from the roof of their house.
This clip was originally broadcast as part of the series In My Shoes.
Teacher Notes
Can be used during a module on China or energy production.
Students could be asked to note down any aspect of Memgke’s life and culture that is similar or different to their own.
They could also be asked to take notes on aspects of energy production associated with hydroelectric power.
Finally, students could be asked to suggest the pros and cons of the use of large dams in comparison to smaller scale projects or other types of energy production.
Curriculum Notes
This clip will be relevant for teaching Geography at Key Stage 3 in England and Northern Ireland, KS3 in Wales and 3rd Level in Scotland. The National Curriculum for Geography at KS3 requires the study of a location in Asia, 'including China’.
More from Life in China:
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A child-led introduction to Chan’gou in Yunnan Province, China.
Life in China - Lijiang. video
A child-led introduction to Lijiang in Yunnan Province, China.
Life in China - Shanghai. video
A child-led introduction to the city of Shanghai in China.
Life in China - Yangshuo. video
A child-led introduction to Yangshuo in Guangxi Province, China.
Life in China - Xingping. video
A child-led tour of Xingping in Guangxi Province in China.
