Caribbean influencers watch a martial arts demonstration at Hangzhou Normal University. [Photo/Tide News]

Twelve social media influencers from Caribbean nations visited Hangzhou from Sept 15 to 17 for a cultural exchange program that highlighted Chinese traditions and digital innovation.

The group of journalists, hosts and influencers from five Caribbean nations — Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada and Suriname — boasts more than 100 million followers worldwide, with content centering on travel, education and lifestyle.

In Jingshan village, Yuhang district, they learned Song Dynasty (960–1279) tea-making techniques. The following day, they visited the Zhejiang International Communication Center to learn about recent multimedia projects, learn about advanced technologies such as VR, AR and AI, and talk with expat anchors about cross-cultural storytelling.

The tour concluded at Hangzhou Normal University, where the delegates joined students in a martial arts practice session. Eijk Gail Gloria from Suriname said the performance reminded him of traditional Surinamese dance for its sincerity and expressiveness.

The influencers said the trip offered a closer look at China's media innovations, while opening new opportunities for future collaboration with Caribbean countries.

Caribbean influencers learn the art of Song Dynasty-style tea whisking in Jingshan village, Hangzhou. [Photo/IC]