German teachers and students experience spring break in Suzhou

Suzhou's Gusu District welcomed a special group of guests from afar from March 31 to April 2. A group of 36 teachers and students from Germany's Friedensburg Oberschule and Johann-Gottfried-Herder Gymnasium visited Suzhou, immersed themselves in the city's ancient heritage, and experienced the culture of Jiangnan, promoting cultural exchanges and friendships between China and Germany.

On the first day of their tour, they visited Caixiang Wet Market, where they learned to speak the Suzhou dialect, tasted local delicacies, and experienced an authentic Suzhou-style brunch up close. The teachers and students not only appreciated the aesthetics of Suzhou-style living but also sampled seasonal glutinous rice balls and Suzhou-style crispy chips known as Caixiang Arrowhead Chips. Afterwards, the group headed to the Suzhou Laoxiangshi Tofu Factory, a demonstration site for study tours, where they participated in hands-on tofu making, gaining an appreciation for traditional Chinese craftsmanship and ingenuity.

On April 1, the delegation visited United World College (UWC) Changshu China. They engaged in in-depth exchanges with the students there, shared lunch meals together, and fostered greater understanding and closer connections through campus interactions.

In the afternoon, the group ascended Changmen Gate, overlooking Suzhou's "double-sided embroidery" urban landscape, where ancient charm and modernity intertwine. From the city wall, Lara marveled at the view and remarked, "Seeing Chinese history here is interesting and it is beautiful. l think the architecture is really gorgeous." Emma also tasted the Changmen Gate-themed ice cream on-site. "It has a unique flavor. I never tasted something like that," she said.Next, they took a pleasure boat trip along Shantang River, immersing themselves in the melodies of Pingtan and the culture of the ancient canal. Daniel exclaimed, "I find it kind of fun to have a boat trip. I am enjoying it very much."

Gliding along the waterways, they arrived at Tiger Hill Scenic Area, where they were absorbed in the ethereal beauty and poetic landscapes of water towns in Jiangnan. "The flowers at Tiger Hill are absolutely stunning! In Germany, we have tulips, but right behind me, I see so many different varieties. They're incredibly beautiful!" Emma exclaimed.

Juan remarked, "I think the views and the things that l saw are so beautiful. To sum up this journey in one word, I would choose 'enchanting'—it's truly impressive!"

On April 2, German teachers and students strolled through the Taohuawu historical and cultural area, experiencing intangible cultural heritage crafts firsthand.

Suzhou's 2026 spring break for students in primary and middle schools runs from April 1 to 3. During this time, many international students enjoyed immersive cultural experiences in the city.

Yesterday (April 1), a group of French students visited Tongli ancient town. Their itinerary also includes visits to Pingwang and Lili ancient towns, and the Suzhou Bay Cultural Center in the coming days.

Italian youths experienced Jiangnan handicrafts in Xiangcheng District of Suzhou.

Earlier, over 60 teenagers from Macerata, Italy, spent a full day exploring Taicang.

International students from multiple countries visited the Jiangnan Tea Culture Museum in Dongshan town of the city to personally experience the charm of Biluochun tea.

By iSuzhou reporter Gao Yuqing, Zhang Xinyue

Source：iSzhou