Editor’s Note: In March, a group of international students studying at Chinese universities were sponsored by China Daily, the country’s largest English-language newspaper group, to visit Suzhou, a scenic city in East China’s Jiangsu Province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture. Alexandre Beaudin, an 18-year-old Canadian engineering student at the University of Michigan – Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI for short), was among 10 young people from Canada, Russia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Malaysia who explored Suzhou’s rich heritage, gaining deeper insights into its history, traditions, and the value of cross-cultural connections. Below is an edited excerpt from the China Daily story published on March 26.
Alexandre Beaudin showcases the woodblock print he created during the trip.
Suzhou’s ancient gardens and canals have long drawn visitors, but for 10 young people from around the world, the city offered more than just postcard views — it was a place to experience, not just to see.
Alexandre Beaudin was captivated by the architectural beauty of the residence. “The white walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricate wood carvings harmonize perfectly with Suzhou’s classical gardens,” he said.
Alexandre Beaudin (third from left) poses for a photo with a Chinese opera performer.
The group’s appreciation for Suzhou’s fusion of modernity and tradition deepened at the Ni Art Museum. Beaudin was particularly drawn to contemporary artworks that focused on introspection. One quote from an artist in an exhibition deeply resonated with him: “What I present and express — is it my true intention? Or is it simply something I hope others will use to define and evaluate me?”
As a social media content creator, Beaudin found this reflection especially relevant. “In today’s digital age, so many of us prioritize posting idealized, edited content to gain views or likes, instead of being completely honest about who we truly are,” he said.
In addition to exploring Suzhou’s traditional architecture, the travelers also engaged with the city’s intangible cultural heritage. They tried their hand at woodblock printing, a meticulous craft that involves carving a reversed image onto a wooden block, inking it, and pressing it onto paper.
Alexandre Beaudin (third from right) tries woodblock printing at a local bookstore.
This trip also fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections among the participants. “We developed an appreciation for our differences while realizing that, regardless of where we grew up in the world, we share many similarities, much more than we may think,” Beaudin said. “We share many of the same hopes and dreams, reminding us that, in the end, we are all united by common goals.”
Group photo of the students attending the Suzhou trip
