I have been living in China for close to five years right next to Wuxi and I had never traveled there. It's crazy to think about since I have always considered myself a 江苏人. However, after a move to Wuxi in late 2023, it felt like an upgrade for me, landing in a mini version of Shanghai and hence I always refer to Wuxi as Beverly Hills 2.0.
Business in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
In Wuxi I found love, strive, ambition and peace. I have been to many cities and so far, Wuxi is my rest place with a hint of fancy. I have met people from all around, enjoyed the famous Wuxi 排骨 and embraced the refreshing atmosphere.
In Wuxi I found confidence to fully speak and integrate in Chinese culture, getting the courage to sing in public, and share my language learning struggle and travels with others on 小红书. Even in the winter Wuxi still kept me warm. In Wuxi I found companies that can help African clients develop and grow their businesses. Now, I don't think I'm there yet, however with Wuxi backing me up, I'll rise like a phoenix and shine alongside Wuxi.
我爱你无锡.
Winter in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The author, hailing from Uganda, is a second-year master's student in Food Science at Jiangnan University.
If you would like to share your Wuxi stories, then send us your writings at wuxiexpatstories@outlook.com.
