I arrived in Wuxi on July 5, marking the start of a beautiful chapter in my life. I was there to experience at the "Discover Jiangsu" international summer program in the city.
Right from the first night, when I explored the lantern-lit Nanchang Street with some of my new friends, the experience has been nothing short of wondrous and deeply immersive, giving me the chance to learn about the history and modern culture surrounding the Grand Canal.
Nanchang Street is illuminated by lanterns and neon lights. My dinner consists of shrimp wontons in tomato broth, giving me a sweet taste of Wuxi cuisine. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The "Discover Jiangsu" program arranged by the School of Business at Jiangnan University had a perfect balance of academic and cultural lectures that allowed me to gain a thorough understanding of the significance of the Grand Canal.
Lectures on traditional Chinese culture are given during the summer program. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The cultural lectures gave us insights into different facets of Chinese culture, allowing us to explore cross-cultural differences and practice tai chi, learn the ideas behind Chinese calligraphy, use these skills to write Chinese characters, learn about Chinese tea culture, and practice the basic steps involved in brewing tea. I have always been fascinated by Chinese tea, so I was excited to visit a tea house, where I bought some Chinese tea.
Tea houses and private gardens are symbols of the wealth arising from trade in Wuxi, and Huishan Clay Figurines are an embodiment of the city's exceptional craftsmanship.
Participants in the summer program visit Wuxi Metro Group Co. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The trips to Wuxi Studios and the Wuxi Metro Group Co were fascinating. The technological adeptness of both enterprises stood out as hallmarks of the development in Wuxi and evidence of its position as a new first-tier city in China.
My days in Wuxi were filled with joy and laughter, good friends, lovely memories and delicious food. As I step away from my Journey in China and board the flight to head back to my life in Melbourne, the events of the past couple weeks feel like a wondrous dream.
I dare not say "Goodbye everyone" to my friends, but rather, 再见. We will meet again, whether in Australia or China or somewhere entirely different.
And to China, 再见. This was only one chapter in the journey I hope to make in the future to see the endless beauty you have to offer.
The author, hailing from Melbourne, Australia, is a student at Monash University and participated in the 2025 "Discover Jiangsu" international summer program in Wuxi this July.
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