A group of 15 international friends explored the natural beauty surrounding Taihu Lake and participated in the traditional customs of the Spring Festival at the Yuantouzhu scenic area in Wuxi on Jan 18.

Participants take a group photo on the Taihu Lake cruise. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

The participants assembled at the Guanshe Villa Wharf and boarded the cruise ship that set sail toward the Taihu Fairy Island in the Yuantouzhu scenic area at 9:30 am. They were struck by the tranquil beauty of the expansive Taihu Lake. Subsequently, they were met with another captivating sight: hundreds of red-billed gulls.

Tourists feed red-billed gulls on the cruise ship. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

In recent years, an increasing number of red-billed gulls have chosen Taihu Lake as their winter habitat, thanks to the Wuxi government's efforts in restoring and protecting the lake. This picturesque setting enables visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and engage with the unique synergy between urban development and the natural environment. The captivating Taihu Fairy Island, a prominent destination for cruises, also evokes a sense of reluctance among guests to depart.

The event reached its pinnacle following the luncheon with a discussion and sharing session. Foreign guests actively participated in answering quizzes, learning about local culture, and winning cultural souvenirs.

The guests were encouraged to share their stories about celebrating the New Year in their hometowns and Wuxi. Their narratives, rooted in diverse cultural contexts, sparked meaningful dialogues and fostered mutual understanding.

The event also featured learning the festive song Gong Xi Fa Cai and writing the Chinese "Fu" character. These activities showcase the elegance of Chinese traditional culture and create a memorable keepsake for their visit to Wuxi.

The participants pose with their handwritten "Fu" characters. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]

Abike Barker from Guyana said, "It's always a pleasure learning about and experiencing Chinese culture through cultural exchange activities."

The one-day event surpassed traditional tourism, functioning as a cultural exchange that emphasized Wuxi's ecological benefits and the advancement of high-quality cultural tourism initiatives.