Twenty-five participants from countries including China, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, and Poland, participated in it and had hands-on experiences in decoding the urban aesthetics and crafting Suzhou embroidery, feeling the poetic interpretation of Suzhou cultural tourism resources and unique charm of traditional culture.

Adjacent to Dinghui Temple and Twin Pagodas, the Fenghuang Street Service Center opens to the public free of charge, offering tourism enquiries, itinerary planning, cultural tourism events, and services for the convenience of residents, among others. It also features bookstores, coffee, exhibitions, and operas, with an average of 100-plus remarkable cultural tourism activities held a year, serving as a comprehensive public service space that has a strong touch of Jiangnan flair.

At the outset, Xi Zhipeng, a volunteer dedicated to Suzhou tourism, introduced the city's history, culture, classical gardens, ancient towns, cultural venues, museums, operas, and life services to attendees in Chinese and English. With his presentation, Chinese participants and expats immersed themselves in poetic and idyllic mountains and waters, the oriental philosophy embedded in gardens and spaces, the exquisiteness and elegance of Suzhou crafts, seasonal culinary delights, and the splendid urban life. Like a double-sided embroidery work, the characteristic of Suzhou that ancient charm harmonizes with modern vibrancy has been brought to life.

Additionally, the bilingual Chinese-English information portal of Suzhou Tourist Information Center was introduced on site. Practical materials such as Suzhou Travel Guide and Pocket Suzhou were handed out in a bid to offer a one-stop travel guide to tourists from home and abroad.

During the interactive session, under the guidance of Suzhou embroidery master Fu Juxiang, participants had original round fans, silk threads, and silver needles at hand and tried their hands at the elaborate Suzhou embroidery and experienced the Eastern aesthetic at their fingertips. They felt the sparkle of this craft when the traditional skill meets modern creativity."I've been in Suzhou for three years and I absolutely love handicrafts. This is my first time embroidering a round fan, and it's truly delightful," said Alexis from the United States.

Next event: Dragon Boat Festival Celebration on May 25

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Source:Suzhou Tourist Information Center, Suzhou International Cultural Exchange Center