Wuxi held the 2015 "Foreigners in Wuxi" launching activity at Jiangnan University on May 21, with more than 30 foreigners visiting the Clay Figurine Museum of Huishan to enjoy the works of art and learn how to make figurines.

A group photo of the foreigners posing in front of the Clay Figurine Museum of Huishan, Wuxi on May 21. [Photo by Xu Yinjuan/chinadaily.com.cn]

The activity includes Wuxi culture experience, meeting folk artists in the university, talents show for foreigners and "Love in Wuxi" Talk Show.

Sponsored by the city's publicity department, the series of events were designed to attract 300,000 foreigners and compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who live, work, study and travel in Wuxi, and to present them a modern and cultural Wuxi with rapid development and hospitable local residents.

Huishan clay figurine

Huishan clay figurines, which first appeared in the Ming Dynasty, are famous in China. They are characterized by unique modeling, rich themes, bright colors and distinctive local flavor.

The local clay is excellent for the craftsmen that create the smooth, colorful and vivid figurines as well as the lovable and well-known "Da A Fu", which represents hard-work, kindness, happiness and a helpful personality.

Huishan clay figurines can be divided into two kinds. One is traditional clay figures, and the other is made of plastering products. With a delicate design, vivid appearance and bright color, they have won great popularity among visitors to Wuxi.