Liverbird of Suzhou narrow boat completes its journey to the east

July 27, 2016

A narrow boat, given to Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University by the University of Liverpool to mark XJTLU’s 10th anniversary, has been officially unveiled in Suzhou.

The ‘Liverbird of Suzhou’ is a small version of a traditional British narrow boat and was christened by representatives of XJTLU and the University of Liverpool during a ceremony at Suzhou’s Jinji Lake.

Over the course of a month, the boat was transported by sea from Liverpool to Shanghai, a journey of more than 9,000 kilometres, before being brought by lorry to Suzhou. It has been moored on Suzhou’s Jinji Lake to show its significance to Suzhou Industrial Park.

Professor Janet Beer, vice-chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said the gift was a celebration of Liverpool and China’s shared maritime history and an “important symbol of our shared prosperity”.

“I’m delighted that the boat will be permanently moored here in Suzhou, serving as a reminder of 10 years of collaboration, friendship, and the provision of international opportunities for our students,” she said.