Six young guests from France, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Pakistan, and Nepal came together in Taicang on Aug 26 for a one-day trip to explore the city's historical and cultural heritage, modern industries, and vibrant Sino-German exchanges.

International friends visit the Sino-German Dual System Vocational Education Industrial Park. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the Memorial Hall of Chien-Shiung Wu, the guests gained a deep glimpse into the life-long contributions of this world-renowned physicist. Stepping into the Sino-German Dual System Vocational Education Industrial Park, they witnessed firsthand the German craftsmanship spirit thriving in Taicang.

Pedro Caleffi from Brazil, after learning that the park cultivates 5,000 talents annually, was impressed by the industry-education synergy and said he hoped Brazil will adopt a similar collaborative model.

Guests take a group photo in Qishi Erjia Village. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Qishi Erjia Village, French blogger Mylene Mathieu was enchanted by the pastoral scenery, marveling at how Taicang manages to preserve the serene charm of rural landscapes amid its advanced enterprises and architecture.

At Zheng He Park, the guests learned about the legendary voyages that Zheng He, a great Chinese navigator from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), led to the West. "I believe that this not only showcases China's ancient openness in promoting exchanges but also resonates with Taicang's contemporary commitment to attracting German businesses," said Avinav Bista from Nepal.

Global youths toast at the 20th Taicang Rothenburg Beer Carnival. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As night fell, the guests attended the opening ceremony of the 20th Taicang Rothenburg Beer Carnival. "Taicang is the 'hometown of German enterprises'. Attending the beer festival here makes me feel at home," said Robert Adolf, hailing from Munich, Germany. He arrived in China for work in 2017 and has since forged an unbreakable bond with the country, sharing his vibrant experiences through viral social media videos that have amassed him over 2 million followers globally.

At the festival, Pedro Caleffi witnessed, for the first time, the lively interaction between traditional German dances and the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences, and was stunned by the vitality of cultural exchange.

The journey gave the guests a deeper understanding of Taicang's unique charm, where the allure of Jiangnan (the southern regions of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) water town coexists with German flair. As Russian guest Kirill Kravtsov summarized, "This was a vibrant and meaningful experience. Taicang, in its own way, demonstrates to the world its openness, inclusiveness, and friendliness."