On Nov 4, a group of international journalists and social media influencers embarked on a two-day journey to experience Yangzhou's charm as part of an exploration into Jiangsu's high-quality development.

The media group poses for a photo. [Photo provided by event sponsors]

On the first day, the delegation marveled at horticultural wonders at the World Horticultural Expo Park and explored the intricate craft of tea-making, a traditional intangible cultural heritage item, at the Lyuyangchun Tea Plantation.

They also indulged in some refreshing blackberry juice and savored the flavorful mutton meat at the Baihuiyuan Blackberry Industrial Park, while gaining insights into the city's intelligent manufacturing advancements at the SAIC Volkswagen Smart Factory in Yizheng.

The media group visits SAIC Volkswagen Smart Factory in Yizheng. [Photo provided by event sponsors]

The following day, the delegates toured the China Grand Canal Museum's impressive exhibition featuring over 10,000 sets of cultural relics spanning from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) to the present. These treasures include historical archives, calligraphy works, paintings, inscriptions, ceramics, and metal wares, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich culture of the Grand Canal.

Then they ventured into the Mausoleum Park of Sui Emperor Yang Guang, which showcases the final resting place of the last emperor of the Sui Dynasty (581-618), alongside his wife, Empress Xiao. They were shown the emperor's epitaph, a symbol of his reign and legacy, and admired Empress Xiao's phoenix crown, a jade belt decorated with gold, and a pair of golden door-knockers, all of which serve as reminders of the opulent lives led by the ruler.

Yangzhou, situated at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, boasts a rich history spanning over 2,500 years. Thanks to its geographical position and pristine natural surroundings, Yangzhou's cultural legacy continues to thrive, leaving a deep impression on visitors from around the globe.

A delegation member tries stone painting, an ancient craft in Yangzhou. [Photo provided by event sponsors]