Kids playing the role of doctor in the kindergarten's virtual "Star Town". [Photo/Baotou Daily]

In a district of the city of Baotou, Inner Mongolia, one kindergarten has been exploring different forms of teaching and learning in pre-school education and has found a way to combine study with having fun by giving the kids a chance to explore different types of vacations in an imaginary "Star Town".

The "Star Town" is supposed to be like a little society, with its own virtual streets, bus stops, gardens, green areas, and houses, and people from all walks of life, who wear virtual work clothes and are busy doing their job in a 260-square-meter indoor site that uses a special "happy coin" for money.

When asked about the school, one pupil, 6-year old Little Qiu who started school last October, says, "I love kindergarten, becauses it can make me the person I dream of being."

Then in addition to the virtual experience, the kids can learn real skills such as making cookies, doing woodwork, watering flowers, or shopping and taking pictures. The head of the kindergarten, Gao Lu, explains, "We also encourage kids of different ages to experience things together and give them a chance to learn sharing, cooperation, respect and love."