About 40 visitors from six countries — including Pakistan, Spain and South Sudan — traveled to Rudong, Nantong, Jiangsu province, on June 23 for a day of folk performances, intangible heritage printmaking and youth acrobatics.

In Bencha Ancient Town, they watched flower-drum and dragon dance routines accompanied by live drumming. Some of the visitors were even invited to join in. A South Sudanese architecture instructor from Nantong University called the dragon dance his favorite part of the trip, noting that the hands-on activities gave him a far deeper understanding of local customs.

Foreign visitors try their hands at Chinese-style artwork. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

At the Wang Renfeng Printmaking Art Museum, the group tried their hands at water-block woodcut techniques. Guided by museum staff, they carved patterns, applied pigments and produced their own prints.

That afternoon, the Rudong Youth Acrobatic Troupe showcased six acts, ranging from magic and face-changing to the "flying machine" routine. The magician taught a straw-knot trick, which the visitors eagerly practiced. The flying machine — a performer on roller skates steering a flower-shaped board through the air — drew rounds of applause. An interactive session followed, where guests tried diablo juggling and ball tricks.

The visitors praised Rudong's scenic beauty and cultural richness, and many expressed a desire to return for a deeper dive into local traditions.