Eight expats from the United States, Russia, Italy, Tunisia and Ghana took part in a trip from Nov 29 to 30, experiencing Wuxi's classic tourist routes and learning about the latest policies regarding the entry of foreigners into China.
On Nov 29, the delegation visited Huishan Ancient Town, Jichang Garden, the Chinese Clay Figurine Museum, the Wuxi Opera Art Center and the Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural Block. They tried their hands at making Huishan clay figurines and performing Wuxi Opera.
The expats visited the Jichang Garden, one of the Four Great Gardens of China's Jiangnan Area, and were immersed in the historical culture amid the early winter beauty and vivid narration from their tour guide.
Expats take a group photo on the Huishan Mountain. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
"I love it especially because it's winter now and the traditional architecture matches all the dry yellow leaves so well," said Russian photographer Sofia Borisenko.
As they left Jichang Garden, the group was drawn to a grand bell outside Huishan Temple. Upon discovering that striking the bell could bring good luck, the participants eagerly approached to give it a try. The resounding sound of the bell echoed through the air, embodying the group's beautiful wishes for the future.
Taking the cable car to the top of Huishan Mountain, the participants were treated to a panoramic view of the main urban area of Wuxi. Italian opera singer Beatrice Fanetti gave a heartfelt performance of the Jiangsu folk song Jasmine Flower here, adding a touch of cultural charm to the scenic experience.
Boasting a recorded history of 400 years, the Huishan clay figurine is an intangible cultural heritage item of Wuxi at the national level. At the China Clay Figurine Museum located near Huishan Ancient Town, the group watched a video about the historical culture of the Huishan clay figurine and made their own clay sculptures of rabbits under the guidance of a local inheritor.
Wuxi Opera is another national-level intangible cultural heritage item of the city. At the Wuxi Opera Art Center in Liangxi district, staff members provided a detailed explanation of the history of Wuxi Opera.
After watching an impressive performance by young actors, Elliot Maldonado, an editor from China Daily Website, and Samar Kerkeni, an English teacher at Jiangnan University, enthusiastically followed the actor and actress to learn the classic movements of Wuxi Opera, experiencing an authentic journey into Wuxi's opera culture.
Elliot and Samar learn the classic movements of Wuxi Opera from young performers. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
In the evening, the participants explored the Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural Block by tour boat, gliding through the water and immersing themselves in the beautiful night views and deep cultural vibe.
The group visited the Wuxi Immigration Inspection Station next day to learn about the latest policies on foreign nationals entering and exiting China. Guided by staff members, they were introduced to Jiangsu province's first self-service terminal for foreigner entry declaration. This innovative system enables them to fill out the form with their mobile phones, and after landing, by simply scanning a QR code, they can have the documents printed within 15 seconds.
A staff member of the Wuxi Immigration Inspection Station introduces online entry declaration to the international group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"Starting today, Italian people are able to enter China without a visa and stay for 30 days, I guess more Italian people will discover this country," said Aurora Maria Cocco from Italy after learning about China's latest visa-free policies.
"It was really interesting to see how all of the processes work and the things that they set up to make it more convenient for us," said Bradley Johnson from the US who is now living in Wuxi. "I feel like the system here is really good and it's just a very convenient way to enter and exit in the Sunan Shuofang International Airport."
