Cultural expeditions in Suzhou
Suzhou is one of the oldest cities in China, and a very refined and sophisticated form of Chinese culture appears everywhere in the city. From the meticulous miniature recreation of natural landscapes in its classical gardens to Kunqu, the most ancient and still active musical drama form, students have ample opportunities to learn from the rich artistic atmosphere. Kunqu itself is an integration of singing and acting, its lyrics are a subject for literary appreciation providing insights into a major genre of Chinese literature rich in rhythmic and tonal elements and elegance of style. Participation in the First International Conference on Chinese Kunqu and the Suzhou University Festival of Culture, Science and Arts have further enriched our students' learning experience. During the 16-week immersion, our students were given the chance to study rhymed literature while immersing themselves in the rich artistic cultural context of Suzhou.