"Go Jurong" 2026: International Friends Explore Landscapes and Culture in Jiangsu

On May 17, the 2026 "Go Jurong" International Friends Tour officially kicked off in Jurong, Jiangsu Province. The event brought together nearly 40 international students from Nanjing Normal University and Jiangsu University, representing 21 countries and regions across six continents. During the tour, the students immersed themselves in intangible cultural heritage, idyllic rural landscapes, and natural ecology, experiencing the unique charm of Jurong—known locally as a "Blessed Land"—up close.

International students experience traditional tea picking. Photo by Xu Pengfeng

The itinerary took the students through several local landmarks, including Bixiang Village in Baitu Town, the Jiangsu Tea Expo Garden, Dingjiabian Village in Maoshan Town, the Maoshan Scenic Area, Baohua Mountain National Forest Park, and Qianhua Ancient Village. At Bixiang Village and the Tea Expo Garden, participants tried their hands at traditional tea picking and processing, connecting with China's time-honored tea culture through every tender leaf and bud. In Dingjiabian Village, they enjoyed the pastoral delight of mulberry picking, witnessing the vibrant realities of local rural revitalization.

A group photo at the mulberry picking garden. Photo by Xu Pengfeng

In the afternoon, the group headed to the Maoshan Scenic Area. Surrounded by lush mountains, they delved into the profound essence of traditional Chinese culture while enjoying distinctive Maoshan culture-themed ice cream. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, Qianhua Ancient Village welcomed them with its classic gray-brick and black-tile architecture, beautifully blending a lively everyday atmosphere with ancient elegance. As night fell, a dazzling display of Datiehua (a traditional iron flower fireworks show) lit up the sky, allowing the students to fully immerse themselves in Jurong's distinctive folk customs.

International students touch the rock inscription of "福地" [Blessed Land]. Photo by Yin Jixuan

The event was co-organized by the Publicity Department of the Jurong Municipal Party Committee, the College of International Culture and Education at Nanjing Normal University, and the Overseas Education College at Jiangsu University. It provided a premium platform for international students to better understand Jurong and the wider country. The tour also successfully broadened overseas communication channels for "Blessed Land Jurong," further elevating the city’s international reputation and cultural influence.