Opening ceremony of the 2024 Wuxi International month and international Cherry Blossom Festival
By Fatou Sillah
It was a thrilling day for me as I embarked on a journey from Beijing to Jiangsu province by flight. This marked my second time boarding a plane, the first being my initial travels from The Gambia to Brussels and then on to Beijing, China.
What made this trip particularly exhilarating was the absence of nervousness, thanks to traveling alongside a colleague journalist from Africa and our exceptional assistants. Additionally, we were joined by “Travelogue of China,” adding an extra layer of excitement to our journey.
The flight itself was relatively short, taking just one hour to reach Jiangsu Province. Despite the common perception of provinces being rural areas, Jiangsu proved to be as developed as Beijing, showcasing China’s successful decentralization of development—a stark contrast to The Gambia.
Upon our arrival in Jiangsu Province, we checked into the exquisite Hualuxe Hotel and Resorts in Wuxi, situated in east China’s Jiangsu Province. Stepping into the hotel, I was immediately struck by its beauty, and as they handed me my hotel key, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. After settling in, we retired for the night, knowing that we had a packed schedule awaiting us the next morning.
Our inaugural engagement in Wuxi commenced with the grand opening of the 2024 Wuxi International Cherry Blossom Festival, an event rooted in the Sino-Japanese friendship of the 1980s and now renowned worldwide. Spanning an expansive 850,000 square meters and adorned with 30,000 cherry trees, the iconic Yuantouzhu tourist spot has emerged as a global hotspot for cherry blossom enthusiasts.
Our journey led us to Yadea, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of electric bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters, headquartered in Wuxi, China, with seven production sites across the nation. Exploring the company’s bicycle manufacturing facilities, we indulged in the memorable experience of riding bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles.
Next, we visited the HOdo Group, a forward-thinking apparel factory established in 1957 that boasts nearly 30,000 employees. With a steadfast commitment to the real economy, the company has focused on advancing the clothing, tire, and pharmaceutical industries, ranking 80th in China’s comprehensive manufacturing prowess. Notably, the prevalence of young individuals within the company underscores China’s dedication to prioritizing youth in its developmental agenda, offering a potential solution to youth unemployment challenges.
Concluding our day, we immersed ourselves in the rich history and culture of Huishan Ancient Town, nestled in Wuxi’s Huishan district. Covering 3.5 square kilometers, with a “core” area spanning 109 hectares, this ancient town holds national significance as a key park, Chinese Historical and Cultural Street, and a prospective World Cultural Heritage site. Our evening was embellished with captivating music, dance, and performances, leaving us eagerly anticipating the myriad experiences China has yet to unveil.
Wuxi City, situated in the scenic rivers-and-lakes corridor of the Yangtze River Delta in southeastern Jiangsu Province, stands as a cradle of civilization along the southern reaches of the Yangtze River, inhabited by early settlers six to seven thousand years ago. Among its notable specialties are Huishan clay figurines, Yixing purple clay teapots, Yangshan honey peaches, and more. Wuxi’s allure, characterized by its delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and the commendable discipline of its people, has etched a permanent place in my heart.