Donghua University organized a cultural exploration journey to Tongli Ancient Town in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, offering international students a chance to experience the charm and traditional heritage of a Jiangnan water town with its small bridges, meandering canals, and elegant gardens.

The group visited the Tuisi Garden, where they learned about the philosophy embedded in classic Chinese garden design. Built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), this private garden — with its waterside pavilion, carved beams, artificial hills, lush foliage, and latticed windows — offered students a deeper appreciation of the saying "Jiangnan's gardens are the finest under heaven."

In the garden, students experienced the subtle aesthetics appreciated by the ancient Chinese people. They listened to the story behind the garden's name and watched the koi carp gliding around the pond. In doing so, they took in the poetic scenery and the unhurried pace of life so deeply valued in Chinese culture.

After leaving the garden, the students wandered along the bluestone-paved paths of Tongli Ancient Town to experience the authentic and vibrant atmosphere of Jiangnan.

Students walked alongside the water canals, where homes stood with doors open. They saw a lady washing her clothes by the riverbank while an elderly man sat on his doorstep, sipping tea and reading a newspaper. The sweet aroma of qianshi cake, a traditional Chinese dessert made of Gorgon fruit and sticky rice, drifted from street-side shops and stirred their appetites. In a blue calico store, the owner showed students how to identify traditional patterns.

The group soon dispersed into small clusters. Some boarded black-awning boats, rowed by local boatmen singing soft tunes in the Jiangnan dialect beneath arched stone bridges. Others settled into quaint waterside cafes to enjoy the tranquility, while a few photographed the traditional horse-head style walls to share their leisure moments with family.

Source: Official WeChat account of Donghua University International Education Center at "DHU-IEC"