A group of 22 students and teachers from Taicang Mingde High School recently enjoyed a study tour in Italy's Macerata, Taicang Daily reported on March 1.

During the study tour, they admired Italian arts and the city's special architecture and handicrafts and listened to ordinary Italians' extraordinary stories.

"Forty percent of Europe's luxury shoes are made in Macerata," one of the high school teachers said. "And we began our exploration from Tod's, an Italian manufacturer of luxury shoes and other leather goods, to find out how the country can lead the fashion in the world."

They also visited some local family workshops and saw their special manual shoemaking skills.

Some extracurricular activities were also organized for Taicang students.

They lived with Italian families to experience an authentic local life and practiced karate together with local fans of the sport.

Guided by a former coach of Serie A, one of the best football leagues in the world, the Chinese visitors played a football game with Macerata's high school students.

Taicang forged a friendly relation with Macerata in 2016 and over the past two years, the two cities have made many exchanges in economy, culture, social management and city construction.

Romano Carancini, mayor of Macerata, meets with Taicang Mingde High School's students and teachers. [Photo/WeChat account: taicangdaily]

Taicang students and teachers visit Sferisterio,an open-air theatre in Macerata. [Photo/WeChat account: taicangdaily]