On December 15th, despite the winter chill, it could not dampen the enthusiasm for cultural exchange. The international students of Shanghai Polytechnic University embarked on a journey to explore the charm of Guyi Garden and Nanxiang Old Street in Jiading, experiencing the unique flavor of Shanghai-style culture.
The international students first came to the Guyi Garden, which is located in Nanxiang Town, Jiading District, Shanghai. Guyi Garden is one of the five major classical gardens in Shanghai.
Stepping into Guyi Garden is like entering a traditional ink-wash painting of the Jiangnan region. Pavilions, terraces and towers are arranged in an orderly manner. Along the secluded winding paths, the green bamboos sway gracefully. The international students strolled around and were all deeply impressed by the exquisite layout of the garden, experiencing the poetic and picturesque artistic conception of Jiangnan gardens.
The students all exclaimed in amazement: Every corner here is full of poetry, Chinese gardens are more like a perfect fusion of nature and art. They felt the simplicity and elegance in Yiyetang, stopped on the Nine-bend Bridge, and appreciated the wonderful artistic conception of traditional Chinese gardens that although made by man, it seems like created by nature. They took pictures one after another to record this unforgettable moment.
After coming out of Guyi Garden, the international students first went to enjoy a delicious lunch. Then, they strolled leisurely to Nanxiang Old Street under the warm winter sun in the afternoon. Beneath their feet, the bluestone slab road meandered and twisted. Beside them, the old residential houses were arranged in a scattered yet orderly manner, and the traditional shops stood row upon row. The shops were filled with a dazzling array of special snacks and exquisitely unique handicrafts. The international students were fully immersed in the thick historical atmosphere and the vivid and real flavor of the common people's daily life here.
After experiencing the folk culture of Nanxiang Old Street, how could one miss the world-famous Nanxiang Xiaolongbao? The international students came to a restaurant and sat around to learn to make this classic delicacy. Under the patient demonstration of the master chef, they carefully picked up the dough wrappers, filled them with delicious meat and vegetarian fillings, and pinched out small and delicate pleats. When the steaming hot Xiaolongbao were served on the table, the students couldn't wait to taste them. Everyone ate while sharing their gains and joys in this activity, and the laughter and chatter echoed in the restaurant.
This cultural tour enabled the international students of Shanghai Polytechnic University to gain an in-depth understanding of the historical culture and cuisine of Jiading and planted the seeds of love for Chinese culture in their hearts. It is expected that in the future days, they will continue to explore more of the beauty of China and become friendly envoys for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries.
Office of International Student Affairs ,Shanghai Polytechnic University
2024.12.17
