Expats have a go at making pottery during the visit to Haimen on Oct 26. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

More than 20 expats from 14 countries and regions participated in a "Discover Jiangsu" trip to Haimen, a county-level city in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province from Oct 26 to 27.

During their two-day experience, the group got to explore some of the city's key attractions while learning about its development.

Following their arrival at Yisheng Brewery, they were treated to local liquor, got the chance to make their own pottery, and listened to local folk songs and a guqin (Chinese seven-stringed zither) performance.

The brewery was founded by Zhang Jian, a famous local industrialist and renowned academic who lived during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). 

Zhang set up a number of factories and educational institutes in Nantong, laying a solid foundation for the city's industrial development.

Haimen, which is a major driver of economic growth in Nantong, has played a leading role in the development of China's textile industry.

I never would have expected that the sheets on my bed were all produced here, said Gerry Breet, a British teacher, during a visit to China Dearshiqiao International Home Textiles, one of the largest home textiles markets in the country.

Saad Ur Reham from Pakistan took the opportunity to note down the contact information of some of the local textile firms, stating that Pakistan is a large market for Nantong-produced textile products.

Judging from the positive reactions of many members of the group, it won’t be too long before some of them return to Haimen.