Two international students visit Lili town in Suzhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/chinanews.com]

On Oct 17, 29 international students from nearly 20 countries, including Vietnam, Russia, Australia, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, visited Lili, a water town in Suzhou, for an immersive cultural experience. The students explored the charm of the water town, recited classical Chinese poetry, and snapped photos of the poetic imagery.

A student from Laos, with the Chinese name Han Yunduo, enjoyed strolling through the ancient town while reciting poetry with her classmates. She noted that not only did she understand the words of the poems, but she also felt connected to the emotions of the poets, calling the experience "magical". She remarked, "Even though we come from different countries and cultural backgrounds, we can all appreciate the beauty of Jiangnan through poetry."

International students recite classical Chinese poems in Lili town, Suzhou. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Another girl from Kyrgyzstan chose the Chinese name "Xunmeng", meaning "dream seeker", because she came to China to pursue her dream of becoming a translator. "I love learning Chinese. Each character has a unique meaning, offering insight into China's rich history and culture," she said.

This cultural journey left a lasting impression on Xunmeng. "Although I've studied poetry before, experiencing the water town in person, with its bridges and flowing water, helped me understand why poets chose certain words to describe the region. It deepened my appreciation for Jiangnan culture," she added.