A cultural exploration journey in Nantong
By Shen Liang and Ding Chuanbin
From 18th to 22nd June, ‘Discover Jiangsu ? American Youth Exchange Program’ was held in Nantong. More than 50 American middle school students started their 5-day cultural exploration journey. While in Nantong, they experienced the unique charm of the renowned city by the Yangtze River and the sea from all aspects, through multiple ways such as tasting featured delicacies, experiencing traditional culture, touring the city and visiting cultural landmarks.
‘Wow...’ became the most frequent exclamation of American middle school students during their stay in Nantong. Arriving at the city for the first time, the light show, flower boat tour and intangible cultural heritage performances of the Bencha ancient town deeply attracted them. With the detailed explanation of the voluntary interpreters, the historical and cultural connotations behind those performances of light and shadow and the graceful dances gradually became clear. ‘Amazing...’ in the praises, many students excitedly took photos with the performers, to record the unforgettable night in China using cameras.
On the morning of 20th June, the delegation of American middle school students started an unconventional Chinese cultural experience trip at Nantong University. In the art theatre, the melodious music of the guzheng and guqin mesmerized American teachers and students. Many people closed their eyes and concentrated, to feel the unique charm of the traditional Chinese musical instruments. It was their first time to experience the charm of Chinese classical music at a close distance.
On 21st June, the American middle school students went to Nantong Museum. They came to Zhang Jian's former residence Haonan Villa. The unique European style of the building made the American students feel very familiar. Through the historical photos in the collections, they intuitively felt the appearance of Nantong in the early 20th century. When compared with the modern urban landscape outside the window, they were all amazed at the amazing speed of development of this city and even China. One student said with emotion, ‘from these buildings, I see the cultural code that connects the past and the future of Nantong.’
The American middle school students also came to the mudflats in Xiaoyangkou, to experience the special activity of ‘stepping on clams’ barefoot.
