Shanghai University of Political Science and Law organized a cultural exploration journey on Oct 14, bringing 20 international students to Shajiabang in Changshu, Jiangsu province, for an immersive experience of the unique natural scenery and cultural traditions of this Jiangnan water town.

Students visited the Hongshi Village and enjoyed authentic folk performances. By experiencing "beating the Lotus Chamber" firsthand, they gained a deeper appreciation of the warmth and wisdom of the local people. On Hengjing old street, they were captivated by the performance of selected segments from the classic Peking Opera Sha Jia Bang, marking their first close encounter with the charm of China's traditional performing arts. The students were fascinated by the elaborate costumes and powerful singing techniques that define this iconic art form.

At Chunlai Teahouse, students savored the authentic Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs. Professional crab-tasting tools were provided, along with a demonstration on how to properly dismantle a crab.

Many students used the tools for the first time, describing the experience as both a culinary delight and a cultural journey.

The meal was further enriched by local performances, including Suzhou pingtan, a traditional form of storytelling and ballad singing, the face-changing show, and a traditional Russian dance by five students from Russia.

In the afternoon, the students transformed the crab shells from lunch into creative artworks, using eco-friendly paint to create unique keepsakes. These shells became memorable souvenirs of the trip. Afterward, the group boarded a rowing boat to explore the maze of reeds, capturing photos of the landscape that seamlessly blended nature and culture.

On the way back, students shared their photos and videos on social media platforms such as Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and Instagram, expressing their impressions of the day.

The event offered the students a deeper insight into China's cultural diversity and encouraged further participation in cross-cultural exchanges.

Source: SHUPL International Students Office