Wuxi's Xinwu: Where tradition meets tomorrow

The visit began at Meicun Erhu Industrial Park, where we were introduced to the erhu, a two-stringed traditional instrument that seems to sing straight to the heart. Watching the master craftsmen at work, shaping and assembling each piece with care, I felt both calm and amazed. The erhu may look simple, but its sound carries deep emotion. When a professional musician played Meili Gudu and Saima, the melodies floated through the air like silk floating in the wind. I even tried to play it myself; my attempt was far from perfect, but even that trembling note felt magical.

Kyaw Jaw Sine Marma tries his hand at playing the erhu. [Photo provided to wndonline.cn]

Next, we visited the Wuxi Beauty and Wellness Industrial Park, a modern space where science and art meet. Developed in partnership with Jiangnan University, it showcases innovative local brands and the creativity driving China's beauty industry. Watching live demonstrations and learning how technology enhanced research and production was truly inspiring. This revealed a side of China that is modern, smart, and forward-looking.

From there, we moved to Meili Ancient Town, a place that felt like stepping into the pages of history. Centered on Taibo Temple and the Meili Ruins Museum, this ancient water town carries the essence of Wu culture. Both narrow and wide stone pathways led to shops selling local crafts, traditional foods, and colorful souvenirs. The air was alive with the joy and laughter of visitors.

That evening, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner featuring a variety of delicious Chinese dishes. After dinner, we headed to the boat dock for a night ride. The calm waters mirrored the lights from the town, while a colorful light show danced across walls and bridges. The reflections shimmered like living art, making the experience utterly enchanting. We laughed, took photos, and simply soaked in the beauty of it all. It was one of those rare moments where everything feels perfectly in harmony.