A group of expats participated in a "Go Jiangsu" trip to Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 25 and 26.

A total of 10 participants from eight countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia, Mexico, Pakistan and Sudan, took part in the event, where they were able to admire beautiful cherry blossoms, learn about the city's history and traditional culture, become familiar with the film production process.

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at Yuantouzhu scenic spot in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 25. [Photo by Yang Xi/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The group members started their journey with a ferry ride across Taihu Lake to the Yuantouzhu scenic spot, which just welcomed its annual Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Festival. The group got to visit the 34-year-old Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest and try a special type of ice lollipop sold exclusively at the scenic spot. Several participants also joined an evening and were deeply impressed by the stunning night views of the cherry blossoms, which is available for just 10 days out of the year.

The lights were so beautiful and made the area look totally different, said Wayne Bradley van der Westhuizen, a coordinator at Kang Chiao International School, who couldn't stop snapping pictures the entire time.

The group learns how to make traditional accessories at Donglin Academy in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu province on March 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The second day of the trip began with a visit to the Chinese National Industry and Commerce Museum, which was rebuilt from an old factory preserved since the 1940s, during which participants learned about the city's history and development in industry and commerce.

The group also got to tour an ancient academy known as Donglin Academy, which was built in 1,111 AD and has been a well-known place among Chinese scholars since the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). The group enjoyed traditional cultural performances, shot arrows and even tried making their own accessories.