(Photo/Shi Wei)

Nearly 20 foreigners from 10 countries including the United States, Russia, Japan and Ukraine took part in a cultural exchange event held on the south bank of Tonglv Canal in Nantong City on April 7.

The event, titled “Fall in Love with Nantong - Poems for Spring,” included reading poems, playing Guqin, sharing ideas of the Yangtze River protection, and tasting of traditional treats best enjoyed with tea.

(Photo/Shi Wei)

Against a beautiful natural setting, participants watched a dance show that featured the styles of Tang Dynasty, and also enjoyed Xiting Cracker, one of specialties of Nantong. Some foreigners introduced stories of rivers in their home countries, recited poems in Chinese and painted kites.

In the event, participants also heard a poem dedicated to Zhang Jian, who was born in Nantong and a renowned Chinese industrialist and educator in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Zhang has been considered one of the pioneers of China's modern industrialization.