Members of the "Go Jiangsu" tour group pose for a photograph during a visit to Dongluo Village, a tourist hotspot in Taizhou's Xinghua, on Nov 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A group of expats joined a "Go Jiangsu" trip to rural areas of Taizhou's Xinghua, East China's Jiangsu province, on Nov 23 and 24.
Participants from eight countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and Bangladesh, took part in the event, where they were able to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside, sample local foods, take part in cultural activities, and learn about the development of rural areas.
The group enjoys a ride on a raft at Lizhong Aquatic Forest Park in Xinghua on Nov 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The group members started their journey with a tour of Dongluo Village, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Previously a rural backwater, it now boasts a thriving tourism industry, which, coupled with agriculture, has lifted its residents out of poverty – something that impressed many in the group.
However, its economic success has not ruined the traditional character of the area, and the expats were able to enjoy a ride on a raft at the nearby fog-shrouded Lizhong Aquatic Forest Park.
"Walking through the forest park and listening to the sound of the birds chirping was amazing," said Nur Muhammad, a Bangladeshi student from Yangzhou University. "Despite the drizzle, I really enjoyed the boat ride."
Expats sample newly developed local products at an industrial park producing health foods in Xinghua on Nov 24. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The second day of the trip began with a huge breakfast at the Qingfeng Teahouse, with a variety of local dishes and tea blends set out for the group to try. Later, the expats were taken to see Xinghua Rice Brand Operation Center, a local facility set up to promote the area's various species of rice.
Continuing with the foodie theme, the group also got to tour an industrial park producing health foods in Xinghua Economic Development Zone. During their tour, they were able to gain a better understanding of the efforts that have been put into tackling poverty in the area, and how many local residents are leading increasingly prosperous lives.
Thanks to the development of e-commerce in recent years, rural product brands in Xinghua are becoming better known both at home and abroad.
It was very interesting seeing a different way of life and learning the different processes of farming and food production in Xinghua, said Daniel Morgan, a British teacher working in Shanghai.
The group learns about a brand of Xinghua rice during a visit to Xinghua Rice Brand Operation Center on Nov 23. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Many of the expats commented on the hospitality of Xinghua residents and the beauty of the area during the two-day trip.
"I'd definitely like to come back to visit Xinghua again with my camera, when the rape flowers are blooming everywhere," said Ishtiaq Ahmed from Bangladesh. Several other members of the group also expressed their intention to return as soon as possible.
The "Go Jiangsu" series of trips are organized by China Daily and the Information Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government to promote the province to an international audience. A total of 12 events have been held since 2018.
