A group of young foreign scholars visited Wuxi from Oct 27 to 29 as part of the 2026 study program for foreign scholars in China, exploring the city's cultural heritage through visits, performances and hands-on experiences.

The visit began with a night cruise along the Grand Canal, offering a glimpse into Wuxi's history as a key canal city.

The following day, the scholars explored Huishan Ancient Town, including Jichang Garden and the Second Spring Under Heaven. They also visited the Erquan Yingyue Music Museum, tried their hand at making Huishan clay figurines, and learned about the city's intellectual traditions at Donglin Academy.

A discussion with the Wuxi Chinese Orchestra provided an opportunity to exchange views on preserving and developing traditional Chinese music. In the evening, a visit to Nianhuawan Bay introduced them to the aesthetics of Zen culture.

The program continued with visits to the former residence of folk musician Ah Bing (1893-1950), the Wuxi Xiju Opera Art Center and the Hongshan Site Museum, where the foreign scholars gained insights into local performing arts and the region's ancient Wu culture. They also explored Wuxi's erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) heritage before experiencing the city's modern commercial scene at MixC shopping mall.

Bringing together historical sites, traditional arts and contemporary urban life, the program offered the scholars an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Wuxi and experience the diversity of Chinese culture firsthand.