Feeling the Pulse of Past and Present: German Students Return Enriched from "Chinese Bridge" Cultural Tour in East China

From August 15 to 17, 2025, SJTU’s School of Humanities carefully orchestrated an immersive cultural tour for over 20 German teachers and students participating in the "Chinese Bridge" summer camp. The journey masterfully blended the vibrancy of a modern metropolis with the timeless charm of Jiangnan’s ancient traditions, igniting the group’s enthusiasm to explore China’s dynamic interplay of heritage and modernity. 

Shanghai’s Urban Symphony

On the morning of August 15, the students first visited the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Detailed models, data, and futuristic blueprints vividly depicted the city’s grand transformation from history to modernity, leaving them in awe of its rapid development. They then strolled along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, soaking in the pulse of urban commerce, before pausing at the Bund to admire the breathtaking contrast between historic architecture and gleaming skyscrapers along the Huangpu River.

That afternoon, the group explored Yu Garden—a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping. Meandering through pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, they savored its intricate artistry and profound artistic conception. As night fell, a Huangpu River cruise unveiled the city’s glittering skyline, its dazzling lights reflecting on the water and cementing Shanghai’s "City That Never Sleeps" reputation.

Suzhou’s Timeless Craftsmanship

On the morning of August 16, the students traveled to Suzhou. At Tiger Hill, revered as the "Number One Scenic Spot in Wu," they eagerly explored the legendary Sword Pool and the leaning Tiger Hill Pagoda, captivated by tales of its storied past. The afternoon unfolded at the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute. Witnessing artisans’ masterful skills, the students marveled and captured the mesmerizing scenes. Guided by experts, they tried "silk-splitting"—the delicate technique of dividing a single thread into 128 hair-thin strands. Their successful attempts drew gasps of admiration and nods of approval from the masters. A subsequent embroidery session deepened their appreciation for this precision craft. Afterward, they sailed through Shantang Street’s canals to absorb the charm of Jiangnan’s water towns and sampled authentic Suzhou street snacks. 

On their final morning (August 17), the Lingering Garden transported them to the opulent lifestyles of old Suzhou’s elite. In the afternoon, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offered tranquil riverside strolls and poetic water-town allure. 

Echoes of Cultural Discovery

This compact yet profound journey allowed the German students to intimately experience Shanghai’s modern dynamism and Suzhou’s millennia-old heritage. From marveling at urban planning feats to losing themselves in classical gardens; from being awestruck by embroidery artistry to lingering in water-town serenity, they gained a vivid understanding of Chinese culture’s diversity and depth.

As they departed, the students reflected on the highlights with heartfelt gratitude to the organizers. Many shared that the tour had not only deepened their grasp of contemporary China and its traditions but also ignited a passion for further Chinese language and cultural exploration. They expressed eagerness to champion Sino-German cultural exchanges, fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Written and Photographed by Kan Peilin