今天，2023“发现江苏·品味科技文化双面绣”活动在苏州启动，来自俄罗斯、美国等11个国家的外籍人士近距离感受苏州发展之兴、体验苏州文化之美。

The Discover Jiangsu·Appreciate the Integration of Culture and Technology in Suzhouactivity opened at Taihu Photon Science Park today.Expats from 11 countriesincluding Russia, the U.S., Morocco, and Malaysia will have a two-day visit to the enterprises, museums, and tourist spots in the city, feeling the prosperous development as well as the cultural beauty of Suzhou.

Suzhou is adouble-sided cityintegrating tradition and modernity, economy and culture. With a history of more than 2,500 years, Suzhou has seen its GDP ranking the top 6 among domestic cities for several years in a row, and its total volume of imports and exports ranking fourth in the country. It has been named "Most Attractive Chinese City for Foreign Experts" for 11 consecutive years.

Zohreh Shahnavazcomes from Iran and has been living in Jiangsu for four years. The event gaveher a chance to finally visit Suzhou. "China's culture and its diversity have always fascinated me, and Suzhou can be regarded as a shining example of the country's charm. It not only boasts a rich cultural heritage but also exhibits a vibrant modern development. The beauty of the city blends harmoniously with the beauty of nature, while the brilliance of science intertwines with the radiance of humanities." said her.

Local technological companies showcased their achievements at the opening ceremony. David Kolosov, an expatfrom Russia,experienced double-sided embroidery of Suzhou embroidery, a national intangible cultural heritage item. "This is my time to embroider. I couldn't even patch my socks before. It's really difficult."

Expat experiences Suzhou double-sided embroidery

Virtual human Fengling

The expats then started their first technological tour in the city, visiting EEO, China Mobile Cloud Center, and Suzhou Everbright Photonics Technology Co., Ltd. in the park.

Nnamani Emmanuel Victor from Nigeria said, "They are doing quite well in their own area and they are all good companies, especially the EEO. I think it has strong belief and innovation, and Everbright has deep roots in science and application, too."

"Suzhou is beautiful. I like the boat travel in Suzhou so much. For me, I prefer to visit something related to culture and explore the beauty of the city. Wish I could stay here more time," saidIslam Taharimul from Bangladesh.

Tomorrow, they will embark on a cultural tour comprised of Suzhou Museum West and Xushuguan Wharf, one of the ten scenic spots along the Suzhou section of the Grand Canal, to personally experience the culture unique to Suzhou and the charm of integration of culture and technology.

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"Discover Jiangsu" is a series of activities organized by the Information Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government. It aims at telling the story of Jiangsu and showcasing the image of China to the world through the unique perspectives of expats living in Jiangsu. Since 2012, more than 50 themed activities have been held, with over 1,000 foreign friends visiting various parts of Jiangsu to experience the local customs and cultural charm of the province.

By iSuzhou reporter Wu Yingxian