A forum is held during the 2026 Sinologists Exploring Jiangsu event. [Photo provided to en.wuxi.gov.cn]

Marking the finale of the 2026 Sinologists Exploring Jiangsu event, sinologists and translators from Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom, and other countries will convene in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, this week to delve deeper into this Jiangnan city.

The sinologists will embark on a journey to Yixing, a county-level city of Wuxi, where they will meander through lush bamboo forests, uncover the mysteries of Shanjuan Cave, and immerse themselves in the intangible cultural heritage of zisha pottery in Dingshu town.

Their itinerary also includes visits to Huishan Ancient Town and Jichang Garden in the downtown area of Wuxi, where they will appreciate the ancestral hall culture and the intricate art of Jiangnan gardens. 

In the Meicun Erhu Industrial Park, they will take in the ancient melodies of the erhu and explore the contemporary echoes of this city renowned for its folk music. Additionally, they will enjoy a night tour of Nanchang Street and the historic canal.

For these visiting sinologists, Wuxi represents more than just a stop on their itinerary; it embodies an "East Asian image" they have encountered countless times in literary translations.

"Every literary work is a letter from the author to the world. Translation is not merely a conversion of language but a resonance of emotions," said British translator Nicky Harman. She said Wuxi, a city steeped in literary tradition, holds special significance as the hometown of famous literary scholar Qian Zhongshu (1910-98), making literary discussions here particularly meaningful.

Reflecting on previous stops, the sinologists said that while literature can yield a slower understanding of a place, walking through it in person provides a quick immersion. They expressed hope that through these days of shared exploration, they would be able to gain deeper insights into the rural and urban landscapes vividly depicted by Chinese authors.

Launched on April 17, the 2026 Sinologists Exploring Jiangsu event will continue until April 24. During this period, the attendees will visit cities such as Nanjing, Yancheng, and Wuxi to experience the rich historical culture, natural ecology, and humanistic beauty of Jiangsu.