青年汉学家苏州之行报告

It was a great pleasure and life changing experience to participate as a young sinologist in Suzhou a city which is rich cultural heritage. I embarked on a fascinating journey to Suzhou, a city renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance. This report chronicles my experiences, observations, and insights gained during my visit to this enchanting city. I arrived on the 10^th of November and I was received at the Nanjing University International Conference hotel, Suzhou Campus.

作为一名年轻的汉学家，我非常荣幸能够参与此次苏州之行，并认为这是一段极具意义且具有深远影响的经历。苏州是一座以秀美的自然风光、深厚的文化底蕴以及深远的历史价值而闻名的城市，承载着千年的文明积淀，我踏上了一段探索苏州的奇妙旅程。本报告将详细记录我在苏州的经历、观察以及所获得的见解。我于11月10日抵达苏州并入住南京大学国际会议中心酒店（苏州校区）。

 Arrival at the Nanjing University International Conference Hotel,SuZhou campus抵达南京大学国际会议中心酒店（苏州校区）

Suzhou, located in the Jiangsu province of eastern China, has a history dating back over 2,500 years. The city's strategic location on the Grand Canal facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and innovation, earning it the nickname "Venice of the East." Our lecturers took us through the city's ancient stories and history of the grand canal and its contribution to the development of Suzhou’s economy. I felt the Iight of history and the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

苏州位于中国东部的江苏省，历史可追溯至2500余年前。苏州位于京杭大运河沿线，独特的地理位置促进了贸易往来、文化交流与创新发展，因而赢得了“东方威尼斯”的美誉。授课教师为我们讲解了苏州的古老历史故事，特别是大运河的发展历程及其对苏州经济的推动作用。我深切感受到历史的厚重感以及中华传统文化的独特魅力。

During my visit, I had the privilege of exploring some of Suzhou's most iconic cultural landmarks. For example, I had a chance to visit the Humble Administrator's Garden: A masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, this serene oasis showcased the perfect blend of natural beauty, architecture, and artistic expression. This really helped me to appreciate the importance of preserving the natural environment.

在此次访问期间，我有幸参观了苏州多处极具代表性的文化地标。例如，我参观了拙政园，这座中国古典园林的杰作以静谧悠然的氛围展现了自然景观、建筑艺术与人文美学的完美结合。此行使我深刻认识到保护自然环境的重要性。

 Humble Administrator's Garden拙政园

I also visited the Lingering Garden, which is a stunning example of Suzhou's garden heritage, this site featured intricate stone carvings, water features, and a tranquil atmosphere. I also had the chance to visit the Suzhou Museum: Designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, this modern museum showcased an impressive collection of Suzhou's cultural and artistic treasures, including ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.

我还参观了留园，这座园林堪称苏州园林文化的典范，其精美的石刻、水景与静谧的环境令人流连忘返。此外，我还参观了苏州博物馆。该博物馆由世界著名建筑师贝聿铭设计，馆内展出了大量苏州文化与艺术珍品，包括瓷器、书法及绘画作品。

I also visited the The Pingjiang Road: This historic street, lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and restaurants, offered a glimpse into Suzhou's rich cultural heritage and daily life.

我漫步于平江路，这条历史悠久的街道两旁分布着传统商铺、茶馆和餐厅，使我得以直观感受苏州的文化积淀与市井风貌。

Pingjiang Road 平江路

I also had the privilege of exploring Zhouzhuang, a picturesque water town nestled in the Jiangsu province of eastern China. This enchanting destination, renowned for its Ill-preserved traditional Chinese architecture, serene canals, and vibrant cultural heritage, left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

此外，我还探访了位于江苏东部的周庄水乡，这座风景如画的古镇被誉为“江南第一水乡”。周庄水乡保存完好的中国传统建筑、幽静的水道及丰富的文化遗产给我留下了深刻的印象。

Zhouzhuang Water City周庄水乡

I had the opportunity to explore the Kiln Brick Museum, a unique cultural institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional Chinese brick-making techniques. This fascinating museum offered a glimpse into the ancient art of brick-making, highlighting its significance in Chinese architecture, history, and culture.The Kiln Brick Museum showcased the intricate process of traditional brick-making, from raw material selection to firing and finishing. The exhibits featured an impressive collection of bricks, tiles, and other ceramic products, demonstrating the craftsmanship and attention to detail that characterized ancient Chinese brick-making. I had the chance to participate in the traditional brick making process.

我参观了苏州御窑金砖博物馆，这是一座致力于保护和推广中国传统砖瓦制作技艺的重要文化机构。博物馆生动展示了中国古代砖瓦制作工艺，突出了其在中国建筑、历史与文化中的重要性。展馆详尽呈现了传统砖瓦制作的各个环节，从原材料的筛选到烧制与成型，每一环节皆体现出工匠的精湛技艺。展馆陈列了一系列精美的砖、瓦及其他陶制品，充分展现了中国古代砖瓦制作工艺的精湛技艺与对细节的极致追求。我还亲身参与了传统砖瓦制作过程。

 At the Kiln Brick Museum: Brick Making practical experience在苏州御窑金砖博物馆：体验砖瓦制作

Through my visit to the Kiln Brick Museum, I gained a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of brick-making in Chinese society. The museum's exhibits highlighted the importance of brick-making in traditional Chinese architecture, as Ill as its role in shaping the country's cultural identity. 

通过参观苏州御窑金砖博物馆，我对中国社会中砖瓦制作的文化意义有了更深入的理解。馆内展品不仅凸显了砖瓦制作在中国传统建筑中的重要性，也展现了在塑造国家文化认同方面所发挥的关键作用。

I also had the privilege of participating in Baduanjin, an ancient Chinese exercise that combines physical movement, breathing techniques, and meditation. This holistic experience not only deepened my understanding of traditional Chinese culture but also provided a unique opportunity for physical and mental rejuvenation. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, I participated in a Baduanjin session. The session began with a brief introduction to the principles of Baduanjin and the importance of proper breathing and posture. I then proceeded to practice the eight movements, each carefully designed to promote relaxation, balance, and inner harmony.

此外，我还体验了八段锦，这是一项结合肢体运动、呼吸调节与冥想的中国传统养生锻炼。这次身心结合的实践不仅加深了我对中国传统文化的理解，同时也为我提供了一次难得的身体与心理调养契机。在经验丰富的教师指导下，我参与了一场八段锦练习。课程开始，教师简要介绍了八段锦的基本原理，强调了正确呼吸方式与身体姿势的重要性。随后，我依次练习了八个动作，每个动作均经过精心设计，以促进身心放松，提升身体平衡感，实现内在和谐。

Through my participation in Baduanjin, I experienced a range of physical and mental benefits, including: Reduced stress and anxiety. The slow, flowing movements and deep breathing techniques helped to calm my mind and reduce stress, leaving me feeling more relaxed and centered. Participating in Baduanjin not only provided physical and mental benefits but also offered a unique glimpse into traditional Chinese culture. This ancient practice reflects the holistic approach to health and Illness that is deeply ingrained in Chinese philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit.

通过参与八段锦练习，我切身感受到这一传统锻炼所带来的诸多身心益处，包括减轻压力与焦虑。缓慢流畅的动作配合深沉均匀的呼吸方式，有助于平稳心绪、舒缓压力，使我更加放松、专注。八段锦不仅在身体和心理层面带来了积极影响，同时也让我得以深入领略中国传统文化的独特魅力。作为一项承载千年智慧的养生实践，它深刻体现了中国哲学中关于健康与疾病的整体观念：强调身、心、灵三者的有机统一与和谐共生。

To deepen my understanding of Suzhou's culture, I also participated in other various local activities, including Traditional Tea Ceremony: I attended a traditional tea ceremony, where I learned about the intricacies of Chinese tea culture and the art of tea-making. I also participated in Local Cuisine making class: I indulged in Suzhou's delicious local cuisine, including dishes such as Dongpo pork and steamed fish with pickled mustard greens. I also had a chance to learn to prepare some of the Suzhou’s special cakes.

为了加深对苏州文化的理解，我还积极参与了多项本地文化体验活动，其中包括传统茶道和苏州美食烹饪课程。我参加了一场传统茶道体验，深入学习了中国茶文化和茶道艺术的精妙之处。在苏州美食烹饪课程中，我品尝了苏州风味独特的地方菜肴，如东坡肉和酸菜蒸鱼，还学习制作了一部分苏州特色糕点。

Cake making in Suzhou制作苏式糕点

On the graduation day, I was given a chance to share my experience. During this presentation I had a chance to express my gratitude to the organisers, teachers, facilitators as well as the supervisors. At the same time I also shared about Zimbabwe and reflected on the potential of Zimbabwean institutions in as far as tourism, education, agriculture and mining are concerned.

在结业典礼上，我有幸获得机会分享此次苏州之行的心得。在发言过程中，我向主办方、授课教师、协办方以及指导老师表达了由衷的感谢。同时，我也借此契机介绍了津巴布韦，并针对津巴布韦旅游、教育、农业及矿业领域机构的发展潜力分享了看法。

Graduation Speech结业演讲

As a young sinologist, my visit to Suzhou was a transformative experience that offered valuable lessons and insights. Here are some of the key takeaways:

作为一名青年汉学家，此次苏州之行对我而言是一段极具启发性的经历。以下是我此次访问的几点核心体会：

Firstly, I had a general appreciation for Cultural Heritage:Suzhou's rich cultural heritage, from its ancient gardens to its traditional architecture, taught me the importance of preserving and appreciating cultural traditions. Understanding the historical context of Suzhou's development, from its role in the Silk Road to its significance during the Ming and Qing dynasties, provided a deeper appreciation for the city's cultural and architectural landmarks.

首先，我对文化遗产的价值有了更深刻的理解。从精妙绝伦的古典园林到独具特色的传统建筑，苏州丰富的文化遗产使我深刻认识到保护和传承文化传统的重要性。从苏州在丝绸之路中的重要地位，到明清时期的繁荣兴盛，通过了解苏州的发展历程，我对这座城市的文化与建筑遗产有了更全面的认识与更深层的欣赏。

Secondly, I had chance to improve my Chinese language and Culture knowledge. Engaging with local customs, traditions, and practices, such as attending a traditional tea ceremony and taking a calligraphy class, I gained a more nuanced understanding of Chinese culture.

其次，此次经历使我有机会提升汉语能力并加深对中国文化的理解。通过深入接触当地的风俗习惯、传统技艺与文化实践，例如参与传统茶道和书法课程，我对中国文化的内涵与精髓有了更加细腻且深刻的体会。

I was inspired to start exploring new research areas especially on balance between tradition and modernity. Suzhou's blend of traditional and modern architecture, as Ill as its efforts to preserve it highlighted the interconnectedness of cultures and the value of cross-cultural exchange.

此外，此行还启发了我对新的研究领域的探索，尤其是关于传统与现代之间的平衡问题。苏州独特的城市景观展现了传统与现代建筑的和谐共存，同时，苏州在文化保护方面所做的努力也突显了不同文化之间的相互联系以及跨文化交流的价值。

My visit to Suzhou was a truly enriching experience, offering a unique glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage. As a young sinologist, I was fascinated by the city's historical significance, cultural landmarks, and traditional practices. This journey has not only deepened my understanding of Chinese culture but also instilled in me a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of this ancient civilization.

此次苏州之行对我而言是一段极具价值的文化探索之旅，使我得以深入领略中国丰富的文化遗产。作为一名青年汉学家，我对苏州的历史重要性、文化地标以及传统技艺深感敬仰与赞叹。这次旅程不仅加深了我对中国文化的理解，更使我对这一古老文明的瑰丽多姿与深邃复杂产生了深刻的敬意与由衷的欣赏。

For fellow travelers and sinologists, I highly recommend visiting Suzhou to experience its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Be sure to:

对于未来想要探索苏州的旅行者和汉学家，我强烈推荐亲身体验苏州令人叹为观止的自然美景、丰厚的文化遗产以及热情好客的民风。请务必：

By embracing the wonders of Suzhou, you will undoubtedly gain a deeper understanding of China's cultural heritage and the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

通过沉浸式体验苏州之美，你一定会对中国的文化遗产以及中华传统文化的精髓有更深入的了解。

作者：Prof Mushangwe（李开明）

翻译：贾玲

编辑：毛仪婷

审核：李丽琴 Shoko