On May 18th, with the approach of the annual Loquat Carnival, nearly 20 international students from Bangladesh, Morocco, Uzbekistan and other countries from Taizhou University visited “Hometown of Chinese Loquats” —Xiaochou Village, Tongyu Street, Luqiao District, where they have deeply experienced the rich and colorful loquat cultural feast.

After the launch ceremony of Loquat Carnival, international students came to the loquat garden, where they learned how to select ripe loquats by color and size under the guidance of fruit farmers. All the students felt the fun of picking and tasting loquats. ARPON MD (Chinese name: An Peng) from Bangladesh said, “This is the first time I have eaten loquat. It tastes like a mixture of mango, apricot, and orange. Very sweet and delicious!” At the Common Prosperity Workshop, the instructor introduced the production process and industrial line of loquat drinks. This industrial line has driven the economic development of Xiaochou Village, not only significantly increasing the villagers’ income, but also providing them with jobs at their “doorstep”. Marveling at the combination of traditional agriculture with modern industry, the students felt the rapid development of rural China. In the loquat beverage exhibition hall, products such as loquat syrup and loquat tea attracted their attention. When LAHROUD RIM (Chinese name: Li Mei) from Morocco and YUNUS YASEER HARUNA (Chinese name: Ya Xi’er) from Nigeria picked up the loquat syrup and looked at it, they were full of curiosity about the loquat products that looked like jam. Through the introduction, they learned that loquat syrup has the effects of moistening the lungs, relieving cough, and quenching thirst. Local people also drink it when they have a sore throat or cough. Hearing this, the two classmates exclaimed, “Astonishing! Loquat syrup should have such an effect!” After finishing their visit to the Common Prosperity Workshop, the students came to the Nanguan Food Market to further feel the vitality and energy of new rural China, where they tasted local cuisine and popular snacks, appreciated various creative cultural products, and experienced the process of making intangible cultural heritage lacquer fans.

By participating in the event, international students have experienced the charm and changes of new rural China, gained a better understanding of the significant achievements of China’s rural revitalization strategy, and witnessed a comprehensive, real, and stereoscopic China, which is of great significance for them to understand China and China’s path, and tell stories of China.

International students at the Loquat Garden

Students picking and tasting loquats

Students visiting the Common Prosperity Workshop to experience making lacquer fans