I arrived in Wuxi during the summer of 2023. The Wuxi University campus was quiet, falling into the slow rhythm of the summer break. I remember the thick, humid air and the lush greenery, a stark contrast to the quiet, mountainous landscapes I had always loved. Before I set foot here, my view of China was narrow. I saw it mostly as a massive, fast-paced manufacturing hub. I was even a bit nervous about how I'd navigate a place where I didn't know a single word of the language.
First photo of the Wuxi University library in 2023 by the author—the beginning of an unexpected adventure. [Photo provided by Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
That initial nervousness melted away on a volleyball court. I had started playing as a new hobby during those first few weeks, and that is where I met my first Chinese friends. We couldn't speak to each other in the traditional sense, but the game became our bridge. They were so incredibly welcoming, patiently teaching me the moves despite the language barrier. It reminded me of my very first taste of Chinese hospitality, which I had experienced during a layover in Beijing when a staff member used a translation app just to help me find my way. Soon, volleyball became an activity I couldn't live without. My circle of friends grew quickly, and our outings became the highlight of my life here.
Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir (middle) plays volleyball with his schoolmates at Wuxi University. [Photo provided by Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Living in Wuxi feels like living in a perfect fusion of ancient traditions and modern advancements. On the one hand, the technology is mind-blowing. Seeing everyone using their phones for everything from paying street vendors for snacks to ordering medicine right to the door has completely changed my understanding of how efficient daily life can be.
On the other hand, the city is deeply rooted in its thousands of years of history. I've spent hours wandering through Dangkou Ancient Town, where I actually got to try movable type printing. Holding those physical characters in my hands felt profound. In the beginning, Chinese characters felt like random, confusing symbols, but through the patience of my teachers and the practice of daily life, they have become a gateway for me to truly connect with the people around me.
Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir tries movable type printing in Wuxi, a moment when the ancient past feels truly tangible. [Photo provided by Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
One of my most cherished memories was visiting Yixing, a county-level city in Wuxi, to learn about its famous purple clay. I watched artisans meticulously shape teapots by hand and even got to join a workshop where I could feel the clay for myself. It was a vivid reminder of the deep cultural heritage that exists right alongside the city's modern skyscrapers. Whether I was soaking in the watercolor views at Taihu Lake or watching the cherry blossoms transform the city in the spring, Wuxi surprises me with its beauty.
Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir peruses some of the artistry on offer in Yixing. [Photo provided by Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir to en.wuxi.gov.cn]
Wuxi has taught me that history isn't just something you study in a book. It's something you feel when you share a mooncake during the Mid-Autumn Festival or walk through a sun-dappled ancient street. Each season here, from the vibrant autumn leaves to the joy of a Chinese New Year reunion, has shown me a different side of this incredible nation. I came here as a student worried about my next flight, but I've found a home where the ancient and the modern coexist in perfect harmony.
The author, Muhammad Taha Daniyal Nasir, comes from Pakistan. He is studying at Wuxi University.
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