Clay figurines featured at the Huishan Clay Figurine Museum. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Growing up in Kansas, my childhood was shaped by a blend of Mexican and American culture. People call me Gabby because I love to talk, and eventually, I met a man who appreciated that part of me – my husband. A little more than two years ago, we moved to Wuxi so he could pursue his music career. That journey led us to this year's Spring Festival.
Her husband enjoys the craftsmanship of the Huishan Clay Figurine Museum. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
This Spring Festival was especially meaningful because my father-in-law came to visit us. Being his first time visiting Wuxi, we wanted to make it special, so our adventure started in Huishan Ancient Town, my favorite destination in Wuxi. The lively streets were filled with color, art, and natural beauty. The clay figurines quickly became my husband's and father-in-law's trip highlight. Inside the Huishan Clay Figurine Museum, we wandered through rooms of sculptures, each sparking stories, art lessons, and bits of history from my father-in-law. Watching him with my husband warmed my heart. Even though my husband now towers over him, I could picture him as a boy, learning to love art and history from his father.
Her husband (fourth from left) and colleagues after a performance at the Wuxi Symphony Hall. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Later, my husband brought his father to the brandnew concert hall where he would soon perform. They drifted through the space together, talking about music, architecture, and Chinese culture. As we admired the hall, they took turns explaining to me Spring Festival traditions, giving me a deeper appreciation for the holiday and why we celebrate it as a family. Filled with excitement, we continued our festivities, which, to my surprise, included buying new clothes. Dressed in our fresh outfits, we traveled to Suzhou and wandered through its famous gardens, where I received yet another round of lessons on Chinese history and culture.
This image captures children playing outside in the reflection of the window while her husband enjoys paintings. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
On Chinese New Year's Eve, we gathered around the TV with oranges and tea to watch the Spring Festival Gala. We marveled at the robotic kung fu performance, the sweeping images of China's landscapes, and, of course, Jackie Chan and Lionel Richie's unexpected duet. After exchanging red packets and hugs, I learned a new phrase – "Happy New Year" in Chinese. We ended the night drifting to sleep with images of kung fu robots still on our minds.
Gabrielle Chen and her husband exchange red packets on Chinese New Year. [Photo provided by Gabrielle Chen to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
As the holiday came to a close, it was time for goodbyes. My father-in-law packed his luggage, tucking away his rabbit sculpture from the clay museum. Promising to message us when he got home, after one final embrace, our festivities came to a close. We continued our conversations on the phone, planning our next Spring Festival.
The author, Gabrielle Chen, hailing from Kansas City, Kansas, the United States, has lived in Wuxi since 2024, accompanying her husband. She enjoys writing, traveling and photography.
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