The first stop of the latest Go Jiangsu Social Media Trip for Foreigners takes place at Qidong on Sept 13. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

The latest Go Jiangsu Social Media Trip for Foreigners was launched on Sept 13 in the port city of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province – and Qidong, a county-level city administered by Nantong, was the first stop of the journey.

Nine expats – from Italy, India, Japan, Iran, Pakistan and Mexico – were invited to explore the unique cultural and landscape charms of Qidong. They were reportedly impressed by traditional Chinese songs and dance performances at the launch ceremony, held at the Howard Johnson Glory Plaza Qidong.

After the performance, a special gift – a blue calico scarf – was presented to them, as Qidong enjoys a reputation for being "China's hometown of blue calico". Visitor Khani Fariba from Iran said she loved the gift because of its pretty and special pattern.

Members of the expat group examine exquisite blue calico in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

The expats also visited Qidong Art Gallery, the local printmaking art gallery and the Qidong Blue Calico Art Museum, immersing themselves in the city's culture.

"I have taken lots of photos, but I don't think any of them can show the charms of Qidong completely," said Javanmardi Ehsan, a professor from Iran. Mukesh Mohanan, a visual designer from India, said he was deeply impressed by the blue calico and hoped to integrate the elements into one of his future designs.

A visiting student from Pakistan (left) has a go at expressing himself at the printmaking art gallery in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

The Go Jiangsu Social Media Trip for Foreigners is a brand activity co-sponsored by the information office of Jiangsu provincial government and chinadaily.com.cn. It aims to showcase the beauty of Jiangsu and spread the development stories of the province, by organizing trips for foreigners to various areas in the region.

Moving forwards, the current expat group will travel to other regions in Nantong – its members reportedly eager to have more great experiences.