A group of more than ten foreigners from countries including Ukraine and Liberia are participating in an exchange activity in Huai'an, East China's Jiangsu province from July 20 to 21.

The event is part of the "Discover Jiangsu" campaign, which is promoted by the Information Office of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and involves inviting foreigners to explore the cultural appeal and modern development of cities in the province.

The Huai'an tour, themed "Approach ecological paradise and exquisite lake city", features visits to a glassware factory, a wetland park by Hongze Lake, the White Horse Lake Tourist Resort, and several villages. It is aimed at showcasing the city's flourishing industry, well-protected natural environment, and significant changes in rural areas.

Dancers perform the Hongze Lake Fishermen's Drum Dance. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

During the launch ceremony on July 20, a performance of the national intangible cultural heritage, Hongze Lake Fishermen's Drum Dance, and lifelike clay creations by Jin Gaokun, an inheritor of the ancient art of clay sculpture, were presented to participating expatriates.

Theophilus S. Seeton delivers a speech at the launch ceremony. [Photo/Jiangsu International Online]

Theophilus S. Seeton, a Liberian studying at the Nanjing Audit University, delivered a speech at the ceremony and shared about his recent visit to Lankao county in Central China's Henan province. Seeing how the Chinese people have improved local environments and alleviate poverty, Seeton said the county "serves as a model for developing countries to eradicate extreme poverty".