Seven Chinese delegates arrived at Lakes District Secondary School (LDSS) for a whirlwind visit.
The visit was about strengthening the relationship between LDSS and its Chinese sister school Xianghe Number One, in Xianghe, China.
During their one day visit to Burns Lake the delegates, who included Qingtao Li, from the Xianghe municipal government and Sun He, principal of Xianghe Number One High School signed a memorandum of understanding between the two schools that will further strengthen their relationship.
LDSS principal Mike Skinner said the memorandum of understanding will provide and opportunity for more teacher and student exchanges, increased online communications between students and teachers of both schools.
Skinner and LDSS teacher Tracey Brown travelled to Xianghe in June 2011 and also signed a memorandum of understanding between the two schools.
"This is a reciprocal visit," he said.
Li said to Lakes District News through their translator, that it is the delegations first visit to not only Burns Lake, but to Canada.
"We are the first delegation from Xianghe to be here ... we are pioneers," he said.
Sun He said, "Although we are just spending a few hours here in Burns Lake, we welcome the warm hospitality of the school teachers, students and staff and we appreciate it. It is the first thing we noticed when we arrived in Burns Lake."
He said signing the memorandum of understanding is a great enhancement for cultural exchange. "It will further the education program of the two schools and two communities. It's a good start."
Sun He said both Canada and China are large countries with large populations.
"We do have our own unique cultures, but China and Canada fit together and we can both learn from each other and improve from each other. The memorandum of understanding is like a bridge between our two countries, our two communities and our two schools," Li said.
They said that due to Chinese government regulations they could only stay in Canada for six days, including international air travel time.
"We have enjoyed our time," Li said.
The delegates were given a tour of the school following lunch and planted a crab apple tree at the school earlier in the day.
Mayor Luke Strimbold, who was also on hand said the relationship between Xianghe and Burns Lake shows the hard work and commitment of the two schools and principals.
"It shows that the schools are united in education and it is a first experience for Burns Lake as a community to develop a foreign cultural exchange and relationship. This is huge for us," Mayor Strimbold said.
Ray LeMoigne, from the School District 91 business company said he is extremely pleased that the delegation from Xianghe were able to visit.
"It is rewarding to see them here and see their smiles and comments. There is a lot of things that we can learn, in both directions. The teachers are excited about this twinning [sister school] relationship and it is a learning curve for everyone."