As the first crisp days of autumn begin to settle over Hanoi, the core members of ITC JSC once again had the opportunity to travel together and explore the beautiful country of China — a land steeped in thousands of years of history and home to many iconic landmarks.
- Shanghai – The Flourishing Metropolis:
The first stop of the journey was Shanghai — a bustling metropolis — and The Bund, nestled alongside the Huangpu River. With its prominent European architecture dating back to the 1930s, The Bund left a lasting impression on the team, evoking the charm of a modernized Western district intertwined with the poetic elegance unique to China. While in China, the group indulged in its famous culinary delights such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Erlang fried cakes, and visited the timeworn yet culturally rich Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple).
ITC core members capturing memories at The Bund
Leaving Chenghuang Temple behind, the team was awestruck by the vibrancy of Nanjing Road – China’s most famous shopping boulevard. Known as “China’s No.1 Commercial Street,” Nanjing Road is a haven not only for shopping enthusiasts but for any traveler drawn in by the energy of its countless radiant storefronts and world-renowned fashion brands.
A Visit to the Jade Buddha Temple
Departing from dazzling Shanghai, the group continued to Hangzhou and Suzhou — cities known for their peaceful and poetic beauty. En route, the group stopped by the renowned Jade Buddha Temple, home to meticulously carved jade statues of Shakyamuni Buddha imported from Myanmar in the 19th century. As a sacred site of long-standing Chinese spiritual heritage, it is also a traditional pilgrimage site for visiting heads of state.
- Above there is Heaven, below there is Su-Hang
Unlike Shanghai’s soaring skyscrapers and opulence, Hangzhou captivates with its own distinctive allure. The dreamlike West Lake, the valiant Yue Fei Temple, and a sip of the revered Longjing (Dragon Well) tea — China’s national tea — each gently touched the hearts of the travelers.
In September, West Lake is adorned with the vibrant pinks of blooming lotus flowers. As the group cruised the scenic lake, many captured stunning photographs to remember the moment.
A corner of West Lake
West Lake, with its fairy-tale charm, has not only enchanted Chinese emperors of the past but continues to mesmerize modern-day visitors. Located on the western edge of the city, the lake spans 6.3 square kilometers and is adorned with finely crafted bridges. A boat ride across the lake, accompanied by legendary tales from the tour guide, offered a magical experience for all.
Everyone made sure to “check-in” at the dreamy West Lake
Near West Lake lies the famous Meijiawu Tea Village, the cradle of Longjing tea. Here, the group admired the modern, pristine tea plantations and sipped warm, delicately sweet Longjing tea beneath the eaves of a traditional courtyard, while outside, the rain continued to fall steadily. These moments — intimate and tranquil — were cherished by every member of the team.
Another highlight in Hangzhou was the visit to Songcheng’s “Romance of the Song Dynasty” show, whose slogan — “Give me one day, I’ll return you a thousand years” — came to life on stage. The performance brilliantly reenacted heroic historical events and legendary love stories such as The Legend of the White Snake and Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, offering the audience a vivid glimpse into China’s grand and ancient history.
- Suzhou – The Silk Capital of China:
Despite the persistent early-autumn rains across much of China, the weather could not dampen the group’s enthusiasm for visiting Suzhou — the famed Silk Capital. Suzhou welcomed visitors with its tranquil, time-honored beauty, marked by ancient temples, classical gardens, canals, stone bridges, and historic water towns.
At a traditional silk factory, the ITC family observed the silk-weaving process firsthand, learned about ancient textile techniques, and discovered how to distinguish between single and double cocoons, and between premium and mid-range silk.
China continues to captivate international travelers with its grand classical gardens and scenic wonders. Among the highlights was the visit to Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) — one of the most magnificent and expansive classical gardens in China. The garden’s layout — with its pavilions, rockeries, lotus ponds, and courtyards — transported the team into a setting reminiscent of ancient period dramas. A place where illusion and reality blend beautifully.
A rainy-day visit to Lion Grove Garden
The final destination of this cultural journey through China was Wuxi Film Studio, the filming location for the renowned Battle of Red Cliffs from the Three Kingdoms era. With the stunning views of Lake Tai (Taihu) as the backdrop, the ancient setting captivated everyone, making them feel as if time itself had stood still.
A group photo at the Three Kingdoms City – Wuxi Film Studio
The trip to China came to a close, leaving behind countless joyful memories. The core members of the ITC family had the chance to journey together through the scenic beauty, savor exquisite cuisine, and explore iconic destinations in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. This annual trip for the core team continues to serve as a powerful source of motivation for all ITC employees. Because alongside work, there are always moments to explore the world — together!
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