Exploring Jiangsu: Where Natural Beauty Meets Economic Innovation

A vibrant group of young individuals hailing from seven different countries gathered in Jiangsu province, China, to witness a harmonious blend of stunning floral displays and economic growth. The event, known as Footsteps in Jiangsu Foreign Youth's Travelogue: Entering the Chinese Valley of Flowers, spanned from December 5 to 6 and took these visitors on a captivating journey through Suqian city.

Throughout their visit, participants were treated to an interactive experience at the Su Tai Flower and Tree Industry Demonstration Park. They engaged in hands-on activities, creating beautiful flower baskets, which allowed them to appreciate the local horticultural expertise firsthand. Suqian’s Shuyang county, recognized as the "Home of Flowers and Trees," has an illustrious history in horticulture dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Today, Shuyang stands at the forefront of integrating flowers, trees, and e-commerce into a formidable economic sector, with sales that rank among the highest in the nation.

The tour highlighted not only the beauty of Shuyang but also its economic significance. Visitors toured significant sites, including East China Flower and Tree World, Su Tai Succulent Industrial Park, and Yisen Garden Bonsai Base, which collectively showcase the thriving horticultural industry within the region.

ILORI Damilola Olamide, one of the international participants from Nigeria, expressed admiration for the remarkably preserved purple clay teapots, some tracing back 2,400 years. "It’s heartening to see how culture can be preserved over centuries. China deserves recognition for its dedication to maintaining these cultural treasures," he remarked.

On the second day of the tour, a round-table discussion allowed participants to reflect on their experiences and observations about Jiangsu. Ye Kyaw Thu from Myanmar noted, "The most interesting aspect was seeing how agriculture and e-commerce are intertwined in Shuyang county. This synergy is pivotal in revitalizing the rural economy."

Damilola further articulated his enchantment with Jiangsu’s aesthetics, likening Suzhou’s gardens to a picturesque painting. His sentiments were echoed by fellow participants who were eager to share their experiences on social media, ensuring that others could appreciate the unique allure of both Suqian and Jiangsu province.

As the young visitors departed, they carried with them not just memories of breathtaking landscapes but also a profound respect for the cultural and economic advancements shaping Jiangsu. This visit illustrates a broader narrative of how natural beauty and innovative economic strategies can coexist and flourish together, providing essential insights into what the future may hold for regions that embrace such a harmonious approach.

The journey concluded with a renewed appreciation for the interconnections between environmental beauty and economic vitality, setting the stage for ongoing collaborations and continued interest in Jiangsu as a destination for both tourism and cultural exchange.