A group of 49 expats from 12 countries enjoy a night tour along the Grand Canal in Wuxi's Liangxi district on Sept 28. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]
As dusk descended in Wuxi, late on the autumnal night of Sept 28, a group of 49 expats from 12 countries enjoyed a tour along the Grand Canal in the city's Liangxi district.
The event was organized by Wuxi Liangxi People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries in celebration of the coming Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese festival celebrated annually on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. This year's festival will fall on Oct 1, which is also considered a harvest day, as fruit, vegetables, and grain are all harvested at this time.
Taking the boat from the wharf in Nanxiatang, they drifted on the tranquil waters, breathed in the autumn air, and travelled past time-honored landmarks such as Qingming Bridge and the ancient kiln site.
The view of the river under lamplights glittered before their eyes - a perfect combination of traditional culture and modern atmosphere.
They visit the ancient kiln site, which is the first theme museum in China showing the history and development of Chinese brick and tile. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]
Located in central Wuxi, Liangxi district has a developed export-oriented economy, and abundant channels for non-governmental exchanges with foreign countries.
Statistics show that there are currently around 370 expats who permanently reside in the district. A total of 213 foreign-invested companies are located there as well.
Wilhelm Hecker, a German working as the director of a local hospital in Liangxi, received the honorary title of 'envoy of friendship' of Wuxi on Sept 27.
Tong Yaoming, chairman of the Wuxi Liangxi People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, said the district will make full use of international resources to carry out further exchanges and cooperation with other countries in areas including education, culture, sports and healthcare.
