International Students at Jiangsu University Become Xiaohongshu Creators
During the May Day holiday, China’s consumer market brimmed with vitality, and exchanges between Chinese and foreign cultures grew ever more vivid through immersive experiences. In the advanced Chinese class run by the School of Liberal Arts (Language and Culture Center) of Jiangsu University, postgraduate international students from multiple countries voluntarily took to Xiaohongshu as lifestyle content creators. Recording snippets of their holidays entirely in fluent Chinese, they showcased China’s diverse beauty to audiences at home and abroad. From their firsthand perspective, they discovered two facets of China’s appeal: staying in Zhenjiang to delve into the city’s laid-back culture and hidden scenic spots, or venturing beyond the city to savour the timeless grace and rich diversity of the Jiangnan region.
Many international students opted to stay in Zhenjiang, capturing subtle moments of urban beauty with their cameras and acting as informal “ambassadors for Zhenjiang”. Mo Youran, a Russian student who has lived in China for seven years, favours experiencing Zhenjiang at a quiet, leisurely pace. She documented relaxed walks in city parks and around the Jiangsu University campus in plain, natural Chinese. Her posts are filled with affection for the city and anticipation for future travels. Peng Junhui, a Malaysian student, chose to explore locally. On Xiaohongshu, he shared his holiday routines: singing outdoors alongside Chinese university students, savouring authentic pot-cover noodles with local residents, and joining community square dances. He described this joy of avoiding crowded tourist hotspots and immersing himself in ordinary daily life as a “small happiness”, an authentic and touching feeling. Another Russian student, Sha Weina, also noted in her post that Zhenjiang is a deeply relaxing city dotted with little-known scenic gems. Over the break, she prepared Russian-style food, explored picnic and camping spots across Zhenjiang with friends, and came to understand the slow-paced charm of the city amid the comfort of nature.
Besides staying local, some students set off on short nearby trips to immerse themselves in the profound heritage of Jiangnan. Russian student Yafei travelled with her partner to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Shanghai. In thoughtful Chinese, she introduced the scenery and bustling street life of this millennium-old water town and shared practical travel tips. Yulia spent three days exploring Suzhou, visiting Canglang Pavilion, Garden of Wind, Qili Shantang and Pingjiang Road one after another. Her posts expressed admiration for the legacy of Suzhou’s classical gardens and the romance of water towns. Meanwhile, Thai student Wang Meiling documented her trip to Wuxi. She focused on her unique experience of eating Thai food in Wuxi, shared her fondness for local Wuxi pastries, and posted a photo carousel of nine pictures alongside a practical, lifestyle-rich Xiaohongshu note.
Maria, another Russian student, adopted a cultural angle for her content. She published an educational post on Xiaohongshu, outlining the origins and evolution of Labour Day in standard, accurate Chinese. She also recounted her own volunteer work over the holiday, lending deeper meaning to her holiday sharing.
Though these postgraduate students come from diverse academic backgrounds, all have passed HSK Level 5. Under the guidance of three instructors, Xu Dan, Fu Guirong and Liu Feng, they are preparing intensively for HSK Level 6 this semester, refining the accuracy of their Chinese expression. They also actively take part in major Chinese-language competitions at home and overseas, showcasing the fruits of their Chinese learning. Platforms such as Xiaohongshu have now become an important channel for these international students to engage with China and share its charm. Their genuine, vivid posts introduce the world to a China of warmth, depth and everyday vitality. They are not merely experiencers and participants in China’s wonderful life, but also grassroots envoys for cross-cultural exchange. They help carry Chinese culture to the world and resonate the harmonious melody of exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
