International journalists start three-day trip in Suzhou

A total of 19 international guests from 12 countries, who are participating in the 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum and the Global South Journalists Explore China program, arrived in Suzhou on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

The guests began their trip at the Suzhou Industrial Park Exhibition Center, where they learned about China-Singapore cooperation, urban planning and industrial development. Exhibits in the industrial section showcased companies' latest innovations, including a magnetically levitated artificial heart, laboratory automation solutions and a new-energy bus.

Niyitegeka Theophile, English editor-in-chief of IGIHE in Rwanda, was amazed at the intelligent glasses: "This is amazing. I can see the world around me in real time and watch a video at the same time." Reflecting on the day's visit, he described Suzhou as a city "full of energy."

The group then visited the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art. Comprising nine separate buildings connected by glass corridors and walkways, the museum draws on modern architectural design to reinterpret the aesthetics of Suzhou's classical gardens. At the exhibition "Picasso and the World of His Influence," Kirtan Bhana, founder and editor of The Diplomatic Society in South Africa, could barely conceal his excitement: "The exhibition is really inspiring. I had only seen Picasso's works in photographs and movies before. This is the first time I've seen his original works in person."

In the afternoon, the "Dialogue Between Secretary/Mayor and Overseas Media" was held at the "Suzhou Eye" Jinji Lake Meeting Room. International guests raised questions on a range of topics, including career opportunities for expats in Suzhou, the impact of globalization and Suzhou's business environment for foreign investment. Wang Wei, deputy secretary of the CPC Suzhou Municipal Committee and mayor of Suzhou, addressed the questions and discussed with the participants.

As night fell, the international guests boarded a sightseeing boat on Jinji Lake. Buildings along the shore, such as the Gate of the Orient and the "Suzhou Eye" Ferris Wheel, lit up. "Seeing Suzhou from the lake is a different experience. I want to capture the lights reflected on the water and share it with readers in Nepal," Buddha Lopchan, editor-in-chief of Press Center Nepal, said.

The 2026 Belt and Road Journalists Forum and the Global South Journalists Explore China program will take place in multiple cities across Jiangsu Province through Sunday. Themed "Convergence and Connectivity • Innovation and Progress • Media Transformation amid Global Changes," the event features five routes covering Nanjing, Suzhou, Changzhou, Nantong and Lianyungang. In Suzhou, the guests are also scheduled to visit Suzhou BioBAY, conversational AI platform company AISpeech, a robot experience center, Shangmingdian Village, Pingjiang Road and Lion Grove Garden. The visits will offer further perspectives on the city's industrial innovation, urban and rural development and distinctive culture.
Source: 引力播 (Yinlibo app)