"I really like Puyuan. Everything here is just beautiful," said Mukhammadkhon, a student from Uzbekistan. "We have learned about its history and architecture and tried local dishes, which offer a different taste compared to those in my home country."

Mukhammadkhon is one of a group of foreign students who recently immersed themselves in the historical charm and modern vibrancy of Puyuan, a picturesque town in Tongxiang, East China's Zhejiang Province. Known for its iconic knitting industry and rich cultural heritage, Puyuan is also seen as an important stop along the historic Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

The group, which included students from Uzbekistan and Russia, participated in the "Global Perspectives on Puyuan" event on November 30 and December 1. 

During the two-day visit, they explored the Xiangzi Bay scenic area, Puyuan Fashion Resort, historical sites and local wool sweater manufacturing hubs, delving into the town's unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Puyuan's roots trace back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Efforts to preserve and revitalize the ancient town began in 2016. In March 2023, the core scenic area of Puyuan Fashion Resort officially opened to the public.

Stone bridges reflected in clear water, winding corridors adorned with carved beams, and towering ancient ginkgo trees: every kind of tranquil and traditional aesthetic one can think of is on offer at the resort.

The ancient town's streets are lined with shops offering local dishes, artisan products, and creative cultural items. Regular performances and interactive experiences featuring actors in period costumes further enhance the tourist experience.

Walking the streets, visitors can see residents and staff clad in Song Dynasty-inspired attire, adding a living-history experience and engaging visitors in an immersive journey through time.

Beyond its historical allure, the ancient town features modern amenities, including hotels, performance plazas, and a catwalk venue that has hosted fashion events like the NYFW Shang Discovered: Global Design & Model Competition, part of the 2024 New York Fashion Week.

As China's visa-free policy boosts foreigner visitors' interest in travelling to the country, Puyuan has also made efforts to enhance accessibility for international visitors so as to accommodate its growing global appeal. Multilingual signs, including those in English and French, can be seen at hotels throughout the town and English-speaking guides are available.

Chen Zhuo, a local guide specializing in helping foreign tourists, told the Global Times that international tourists are not a rare sight at the Puyuan Fashion Resort. 

"In November alone, I hosted 11 groups of visitors from countries such as Spain, Egypt, and Singapore," said Zhuo.

Puyuan is also recognized as the "hometown of knitted clothing" in China. Once famed for producing exquisite "Puchou" silk during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), the town has since evolved into a leading hub for woolen apparel.

Today, Puyuan has established 15 ready-made garment trading zones and five supporting trading zones, with over 7,000 wool sweater-related businesses. Shops are integrated with production facilities, a "front-shop-and-back-factory" model that reduces middlemen costs and provides high-quality products at competitive prices.

"Customers can find great-quality sweaters at reasonable prices here," said an employee from the SNAIER company.

"We hope to use Puyuan's special advantages to establish a travel-and-shopping tourism model," Wei Yanfang, the culture and tourism director of the People's Government of Puyuan Town, told the Global Times.