Yuantouzhu Scenic Area in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, welcomed a group of foreign expats on Jan 11 for an immersive cultural gathering.

Surrounded by mountains and shimmering water, guests from the United States, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Tunisia experienced Chinese traditions in a setting where nature and culture quietly converge in majestic elegance.

A group photo of international visitors holding the Chinese character meaning "Yuantouzhu, beauty of Taihu Lake" on a boat to Taihu Fairyland. [Photo/Gao Yuepeng]

At a hotel within the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, red paper and ink set the tone for the new year. As people used brushes to trace careful strokes, the Chinese character "福" – a symbol of good fortune – slowly emerged. Though the group's techniques varied, each character carried sincerity and respect, allowing people of different languages and backgrounds to connect with China's enduring cultural heritage.

A participant writes the Chinese character "福" with a brush and ink. [Photo/Gao Yuepeng]

The journey continued onto Taihu Lake, where black-headed gulls soared through the sky. As the boats approached Taihu Fairyland, the gulls circled gracefully, swooping down to take food from outstretched hands. "I was really impressed because I love how the city takes good care of this place. The lake is so clean, the birds are lively and they interact with us," said Samar Kerkeni from Tunisia.

Gabrielle Renee Chen plays the flute while Samar Kerkeni feeds the gulls. [Photo/Gao Yuepeng]

Samar sang the folk song Taihu Beauty in Chinese, while Gabrielle Renee Chen from the US accompanied the melody on her flute. "I think the thing that impresses me the most is how quickly the city's developed and how nature has been preserved," Gabrielle said. Later, the group practiced tai chi, feeling the charm of traditional Chinese culture in action.