I arrived in Wuxi in February 2023, and my time in this beautiful city has been nothing short of magical. I've completely fallen for it—the serene beauty of Taihu Lake, the charming Grand Canal and Huishan Ancient Town, and the constant buzz of friendly locals always ready with a smile.
And the food! From steaming Xiaolonglao bursting with flavor to fresh lake delicacies, every meal feels like a warm hug. Life here is a perfect blend of modern convenience and rich tradition; I feel incredibly lucky to experience authentic China every day.
This passion extends to the electric atmosphere I witnessed at the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League, which locals call Suchao. Forget quiet stadiums! This was a "thundering sea of pink" from kick-off, the drums pounded, chants echoed non-stop, and flags waved furiously.
The author (right) takes a photo with his friend at the match scene of Wuxi vs Changzhou in the 4th round of the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The sheer energy of the fans, families, teenagers, and everyone united was mind-blowing. When Wuxi scored late, the stadium exploded! It wasn't just about the football; it was raw community spirit, pure joy, and an unforgettable lesson in Chinese passion. This enthusiasm makes me love calling China home even more. It's contagious! This match ignited my passion for football, and I will follow the subsequent Suchao games to cheer for the Wuxi team!
The author, hailing from South Africa, is a foreign English teacher in Wuxi.
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