On October 17, 29 international students from nearly 20 countries, including Vietnam, Russia, Australia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, took part in a walking event titled “Searching for the Poetic Jiangnan” in the picturesque Suzhou district of Li Li.
Walking along the cobblestone paths, holding oil-paper umbrellas, and dressed in traditional Hanfu, these students immersed themselves in the culture and charm of Jiangnan, reciting classical poetry and capturing the beauty of the region through their lenses. Lines such as “She who is fair, is on the other side of the water,” and “In the shade of ancient trees, a short boat is moored,” echoed through the historic water town as they sought to find deeper meaning within the poetic landscape.
“The culture of Jiangnan stands out distinctly within China’s rich tapestry of regional cultures,” noted the organizers. Throughout history, countless poets and scholars have penned timeless verses inspired by the area’s sublime scenery. Japanese student Ryuji Yamashita found a connection with the line “A lone red apricot blooms beyond the wall” as he stood in front of a closed café. “Being here is like stepping back in time; it’s such a romantic experience,” he shared.
Laotian student Han Yunduo captured the essence of “How deep the courtyard is” in one of the town’s gardens. As she wandered through the ancient streets with her peers, she recited poetry and reflected on the verses. “Even though we come from different countries and cultures, poetry allows us to appreciate the beauty of Jiangnan together,” she said, expressing her joy in interpreting not just the words but the emotions of the poets.
Then there’s Kyrgyz student Xunmeng, whose Chinese name means “seeking dreams.” She shared that her journey to China is driven by her ambition to become a translator. “I enjoy learning Chinese; each character holds unique significance, revealing the depth of China’s rich history and culture,” Xunmeng commented. This experience deepened her understanding of Jiangnan culture beyond the classroom. “Having studied poetry, experiencing Jiangnan’s bridges and flowing waters made me ponder why poets chose their specific words,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Turkish student Mate donned Hanfu and recited poetry by Ouyang Xiu, earning compliments from classmates on his charismatic presence. “This must be what they mean by ‘A person fluent in literature has an inherent grace!'” Mate quipped. He came to China to study advanced technologies and remarked, “If you want to understand today’s China and its future, you must first appreciate its past.”
Kenyan student Philip enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of the local people while exploring the water town. “Many Chinese tourists greeted us, and some even wanted to take pictures together. I’ve made so many new friends, and I’ve expanded my social circle, which feels rewarding,” he shared. Despite having studied Chinese for only a short time, his spoken language skills were impressively fluent.
Peruvian student Yemmu continuously works to improve his Chinese through books, films, and music. “Learning Chinese is quite a challenge, but I’m committed to it,” he mentioned. He found Jiangnan’s water town reminiscent of Venice, leaving a lasting impression. “I plan to share the photos I took with my friends and family so they can also experience the beauty of Jiangnan,” he concluded.
