By Shen Liang and Ding Chuanbin

  From 18th to 22nd June, ‘Discover Jiangsu ・ American Youth Exchange Program’ was held in Nantong. More than 50 American middle school students started their 5-day cultural exploration journey. While in Nantong, they experienced the unique charm of the renowned city by the Yangtze River and the sea from all aspects, through multiple ways such as tasting featured delicacies, experiencing traditional culture, touring the city and visiting cultural landmarks. 

  ‘Wow...’ became the most frequent exclamation of American middle school students during their stay in Nantong. Arriving at the city for the first time, the light show, flower boat tour and intangible cultural heritage performances of the Bencha ancient town deeply attracted them. With the detailed explanation of the voluntary interpreters,  the historical and cultural connotations behind those performances of light and shadow and the graceful dances gradually became clear. ‘Amazing...’ in the praises, many students excitedly took photos with the performers, to record the unforgettable night in China using cameras. 

  On the morning of 20th June, the delegation of American middle school students started an unconventional Chinese cultural experience trip at Nantong University. In the art theatre, the melodious music of the guzheng and guqin mesmerized American teachers and students. Many people closed their eyes and concentrated, to feel the unique charm of the traditional Chinese musical instruments. It was their first time to experience the charm of Chinese classical music at a close distance. 

  On 21st June, the American middle school students went to Nantong Museum. They came to Zhang Jian's former residence Haonan Villa. The unique European style of the building made the American students feel very familiar. Through the historical photos in the collections, they intuitively felt the appearance of Nantong in the early 20th century. When compared with the modern urban landscape outside the window, they were all amazed at the amazing speed of development of this city and even China. One student said with emotion, ‘from these buildings, I see the cultural code that connects the past and the future of Nantong.’

  The American middle school students also came to the mudflats in Xiaoyangkou, to experience the special activity of ‘stepping on clams’ barefoot.

【背景阅读】

50多名美国中学生在南通开启文化探索之旅

    6月18日至22日，“锦绣江苏・美国青少年交流营”活动在南通举行，50余名美国中学生开启了为期5天的文化探索之旅。在南通期间，他们通过品鉴特色美食、体验传统文化、游览城市景观、探访人文地标等多种方式，全方位感受这座江海名城的独特魅力。

    “Wow……”成为美国中学生们在南通期间最常发出的惊叹。初抵这座江海之城，栟茶古镇的灯光秀、花船巡演和非遗表演就深深吸引了他们。在翻译志愿者的细致讲解下，那些光影交织的表演和曼妙舞姿背后蕴含的历史文化内涵渐渐清晰。“Amazing……”赞叹声中，不少学生兴奋地与表演者合影，用镜头定格这个难忘的中国之夜。

    6月20日上午，美国中学生代表团在南通大学开启了一场别开生面的中国文化体验之旅。在艺术剧院内，古筝、古琴的悠扬旋律让美国师生们沉醉其中，不少人闭目凝神，用心感受这些中国传统乐器的独特韵味，这是他们第一次近距离领略中国古典音乐的魅力。

    6月21日，美国中学生走进南通博物苑。他们来到张謇故居濠南别业。这座建筑以其独特的欧式风格让美国学生们倍感亲切。通过馆藏的历史照片，他们直观感受到20世纪初的南通风貌，再对比窗外现代化的城市景观，无不惊叹于这座城市乃至中国发展的惊人速度。一位学生感慨道：“从这些建筑中，我看到了南通连接过去与未来的文化密码。”

    美国中学生还来到小洋口滩涂，赤足体验“踩文蛤”这一特色活动。

    作者：沈樑 丁传彬