For a young fencer, there is no bigger tournament than the Junior and Cadet World Championships, each held in a different location yearly. This year it was Wuxi, China. I was more than excited to participate in the fencing tournament and to explore everything that the city has to offer on my off days. Plus, I can speak Mandarin, which should come in handy because not everyone in the squad can speak the local dialect.
Wuxi is nestled on the edge of Taihu Lake in Jiangsu province. It is a city that blends ancient heritage with modern sophistication. Often overshadowed by its bustling neighbours like Shanghai and Suzhou, Wuxi is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
A photo of Saif Nordin at the 2025 Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The first part was finding the best way to get there from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (that's where I'm from). It worked out that travelling down to Singapore and then jumping on a Jetstar morning flight was the best option. Especially as it was a festival time in China, and internal flights were quite full.
Wuxi was a great way to end the 2024/2025 Junior fencing season for the World Championships. I was able to place 119th out of 161, making it out of the pools with amazing fencers from all over the world. I also made many new friends while having a fun time competing with the world's best.
In the team event, we fenced France and put up a good fight against them. We placed 27th out of 32 countries, an improvement from last year for the team.
Saif Nordin fencing in the World Championships in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Coach Andrew Mok to wuxi.gov.cn]
Fencing aside, I had the pleasure of exploring this beautiful city, and what unfolded was a tapestry of culture, nature, and warm hospitality. It was thrilling to be able to visit the places I had only previously seen in my old Chinese textbooks while I was a student in a Malaysian Chinese school, some of you will already know, SJKC Kuen Cheng 2.
My adventure (and confessions as a travelling fencer) began with a stay at the Pullman Wuxi New Lake Hotel. From the moment I walked into the sleek, modern lobby, I felt welcomed by the attentive service and calming atmosphere. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed, perfect for unwinding after a day of fencing or sightseeing. But what truly stood out was the breakfast buffet — a feast of flavours that catered to every taste.
Whether I was craving traditional Chinese congee and dumplings or Western staples like freshly baked pastries, eggs made to order, and rich barista-style coffee, the selection was impressive. It was the ideal way to fuel up each morning before heading out to fight on the piste or to explore the city.
The Pullman Wuxi New Lake Hotel in Wuxi. As the sun goes down, the reflection is truly a work of art. [Photo provided by Coach Andrew Mok to wuxi.gov.cn]
One of my first stops was the Three Kingdoms City, a vast film set built for the CCTV series based on the famous historical novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As I wandered through the grand palaces, ancient towers, and warrior training grounds, I felt like I had stepped back into time. Performers in period costume brought the stories of Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan to life, making history feel vivid and tangible. It is more than a tourist attraction — it is a full immersion into China's legendary past.
The Three Kingdoms City – A natural theme park with many different love shows and ancient buildings from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Entry fee: 90 yuan ($12.39) per adult. [Photo provided by Saif Nordin to wuxi.gov.cn]
From there, I made my way to the Qingming Bridge, an ancient stone bridge that arches gracefully over the Grand Canal. Lined with traditional houses, red lanterns, and quaint shops, this area exudes the charm of old-world China. The atmosphere here is serene, with locals sipping tea by the water and artists painting canal-side scenes. Walking along the cobblestone streets, I felt a sense of timelessness that is increasingly rare in the modern world.
Another highlight of my trip was Liyuan Garden, one of Wuxi's most famous classical gardens. Situated beside the shimmering Taihu Lake, Liyuan is a haven of tranquillity. Willow trees sway over winding paths, koi fish swim calmly in lily-covered ponds, and intricately designed pavilions offer spots to sit and reflect. The garden is named after Fan Li, a famous strategist and statesman, and it is easy to see why he chose this spot as a retreat. It is a place where nature and artistry meet in perfect harmony, which was much needed after a few crazy days of intense fencing action.
I visited Xihui Park at the foot of Huishan Mountain for a panoramic view of the city. A climb up the park's gentle slopes rewarded me with sweeping views of Wuxi and the surrounding countryside. The park is rich with history — ancient temples, stone inscriptions, and traditional architecture blend seamlessly with blooming gardens and peaceful walking trails.
Turtle Head Island – A park full of nature. It was established as a park in 1916, and since then, nature has just been growing in a never-ending set of amazingness. Entry fee: 90 yuan per adult. [Photo provided by Saif Nordin to wuxi.gov.cn]
Perhaps the most breathtaking part of my trip was the visit to Yuantouzhu, also known as Turtle Head Island. This scenic area on the northwestern shore of Taihu Lake is famed for its cherry blossoms, and I was lucky to catch them in full bloom. The soft pink petals created a dreamy landscape that felt almost surreal. The air was incredibly fresh, carrying the scent of spring and the gentle breeze from the lake. Whether cruising on the water or simply strolling under the cherry trees, Yuantouzhu offered a sense of peace that lingered long after I left.
Xihui Park – Being both a market and a nature park, it was a great combination of peace and fighting through the crowd. Entry fee: 70 yuan per adult. [Photo provided by Saif Nordin to wuxi.gov.cn]
As my trip came to a close, I reflected on all that Wuxi had offered — a deep dive into history, a connection with nature, and the comforts of modern travel. Jetstar made the journey seamless, with reliable service and smooth connections via Singapore.
Wuxi may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to China, but after experiencing what it has to offer, I would say it should be. It is a city that captures the heart with its quiet beauty and rich stories — a place where the past meets the present in the most enchanting way.
A bridge lit over water in Wuxi. [Photo provided by Saif Nordin to wuxi.gov.cn]
It is always a pleasure and a privilege to travel and fence. My next trip is to a place that I travel to quite often — Bangkok, Thailand. I will be going to the Air Force Youth Open 2025 as part of the Touché Fencing Team, and I am looking forward to seeing all my friends in Bangkok.
The article was originally published at News Hub Asia.
The author is a 14-year-old Malaysian fencer who is focused on sporting success. He has represented his country at various tournaments, including the World Cadet Championships, World Junior Championships, Asia Junior & Cadet Championship, Asia Cadet Cup, Commonwealth Fencing Championships and FIE Open Satellite.
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