Hajar Mansour makes a poster with her friends using an automatic photo machine in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
I had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of the 2025 "Discover Jiangsu" international summer program. From the moment I arrived, Jiangnan University in Wuxi made me feel at home. The well-organized program gave me a deeper understanding of Wuxi, particularly its role in China's canal system and business environment.
Before this trip, I wasn't familiar with Wuxi, which now feels like a missed chance. It's a city of great importance, offering a wealth of cultural and economic opportunities. Besides attending lectures by experienced, knowledgeable professors, we also had time to explore and learn more about the richness of Chinese culture.
Our cultural journey began with the first culture lesson, which immediately gave me a deeper appreciation for China not just as a country, but as a community with a rich and layered culture.
Hajar Mansour (First from right, first row) poses for a group photo with participants in the summer program. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
One of the most rewarding aspects of this session was the cultural exchange. As we shared stories from our own countries, I became more aware of the similarities and differences between our cultures and Chinese culture.
The academic lectures played a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the Grand Canal's historical and ongoing influence on business in China. Each lecture offered a different perspective, some focused on finance, others on history or logistics, but together, they painted a comprehensive picture of how this ancient infrastructure continues to shape economic life today.
What I especially appreciated was how we didn't just study these concepts in the classroom; we got to experience them firsthand during our day trips to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Wuxi. It felt like the theory was coming to life, making everything we learned seem more tangible and real.
One of the highlights of this program, without a doubt, was the company visits. I found genuinely exciting was our tour of Jabil and Seagate in Wuxi. I had never stepped inside a high-tech manufacturing facility before, so walking through the factory floors, watching the machines in action, and learning about their processes was fascinating. What impressed me most was the high level of efficiency and how quality is prioritized at every stage. At Jabil, each customer has a dedicated space in the factory, and that level of precision and organization made an impact on me. It motivated me to explore this sector more deeply, and honestly, I'm now seriously thinking about pursuing an internship with one of these companies. I feel fortunate to have experienced what Wuxi has to offer in this area; it opened a new door I hadn't previously considered.
One of the most enjoyable and culturally enriching activities we participated in was at the Wuxi Museum, where we painted Huishan clay figurines. After learning about their history during the museum tour, it felt especially meaningful to create something so connected to Wuxi's local heritage. The process was both fun and relaxing. I now have my own Huishan clay figure, which traveled all the way from Wuxi to the Netherlands!
We had free time to explore Wuxi on our own, which helped me connect even more deeply with the city. Sanyang Square was vibrant and full of life, and visiting the Nanchan Temple and the ancient street felt like stepping back in time. Seeing the beautiful Nianhuawan Bay was another highlight of the trip, a hidden gem in Wuxi that everyone should visit!
Our boat tour along the Grand Canal was a perfect way to bring all these experiences together. As the boat moved through the water, passing by historic buildings and everyday life, I felt like the entire summer had been building up to that moment. It was reflective, beautiful, and somehow symbolic of everything we had learned about connectivity, commerce, culture, and continuity.
The group presentation we worked on throughout the program allowed us to combine all of our knowledge and experiences in a collaborative and meaningful way. Preparing and presenting it felt like a celebration of everything we had learned.
Hajar Mansour and her friend pose for a group photo with residents of Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
During my stay, I was impressed by how integrated and advanced everyday technology is in China. Using WeChat and Alipay for payments quickly became second nature; cash is barely used. What stood out to me was how much you can do with just one app. I could order a Didi, pay for food, use my metro card, and more—all through Alipay. It was efficient and made daily life incredibly smooth. This experience also helped me understand Wuxi's reputation as a technological hub. The high level of digital infrastructure in daily life reflects the city's focus on innovation and smart urban living. As I became more familiar with everything, I started feeling less like a tourist and more like a local. I knew how to get around, where to go, and how things worked. It felt good to adapt so quickly.
I look forward to returning to Jiangnan University, not just because of the program that brought me here but also because of the incredible people who made the experience unforgettable.
Everyone I met was kind, respectful, and helpful, even though many weren't used to seeing foreigners. That openness truly stayed with me. They say the people make the place, and Wuxi proved that just right.
The author, hailing from the Netherlands, is a student at Tilburg University and participated in the 2025 "Discover Jiangsu" international summer program in Wuxi this July.
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