On May 1, 40 international students from 12 countries at our university were invited to attend the 2nd Jiangxi Cultural Tourism Industry Expo and Trade Fair. The event not only brought the students closer to Jiangxi’s rich cultural and tourism resources but also added a vibrant international touch to the expo.

At the fair, the international students delivered impressive performances of traditional Chinese art. Their lively and rhythmic kuaiban (bamboo clapper) piece Singing of Nanchang vividly showcased the city’s historical heritage and modern vitality. A selection from the Peking opera Fishing for the Golden Turtle was performed with clear enunciation and authentic charm, drawing rounds of applause from the audience. After the performance, the students toured various city exhibition areas with great interest, gaining deeper insights into the unique cultural features of different parts of Jiangxi. From exquisite Jingdezhen porcelain to the rich Hakka customs of southern Jiangxi, from the time-honored traditional Chinese medicine culture to exquisite intangible cultural heritage crafts, and from intelligent AI robots to immersive digital cultural tourism scenes — the wealth of attractions left them dazzled. Many eagerly took photos with their phones to capture the unforgettable cultural journey.

During the tour, the students shared their impressions. I was not just a visitor, but a participant — practicing calligraphy and receiving paper-cut artworks — seeing how culture can serve as a bridge between tourism and trade, said Hanin, a student from Jordan. An Indonesian student remarked, Every city has its unique cultural identity. The fusion of traditional intangible heritage and modern creativity has given me a brand new understanding of Jiangxi’s humanistic charm.

The event was meticulously organized by the Exit-Entry Administration Detachment of Nanchang Public Security Bureau, with the aim of helping international students in Nanchang better integrate into local culture and enhancing people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries. It allowed the students to truly discover Jiangxi, fall in love with Jiangxi, and experience China beyond their academic studies.