From September 5 to 6, 2025, in order to strengthen team cohesion and enhance internal communication, a team from Shanghai CILS Law Firm traveled to Suzhou, a city known as the“Paradise on Earth,”to conduct the firm’s mid-year team-building activity.
On Friday afternoon, the team successfully arrived in Suzhou and checked into the modern W Hotel located on the shore of Jinji Lake, where guests could enjoy panoramic views of Jinji Lake and the cityscape of Suzhou directly from their rooms. After a short rest, everyone eagerly headed to the first challenge of the trip—laser tag combat at the Laser Battle Alliance arena. After a detailed briefing from the instructor, team members put on their gear, picked up laser guns, and immediately entered combat mode.During the game, the usual workplace boundaries were set aside as participants were randomly divided into new teams. Some members charged forward as assault players, some remained calm and precise as sniper-type players, while others acted as tactical commanders coordinating team strategies on the spot. The fast-paced offense and defense exchanges not only tested individual reaction speed and courage, but also strengthened teamwork, communication, and mutual trust. The sounds of laser shots, laughter, and cheers of victory intertwined, allowing team cohesion to grow naturally through shared effort.
After the intense competition, a sumptuous dinner served as the best reward for the team. In the evening, everyone walked to a long-established Suzhou-style restaurant near Jinji Lake. The elegant environment and authentic local flavors allowed the team to experience the refined culinary culture of Suzhou cuisine. Classic dishes such as squirrel-shaped Mandarin fish, tangerine peel beef, hand-peeled river shrimp, and braised pork with rice cakes were served one after another, with attractive colors and rich aromas.Coincidentally, the night music fountain performance on Jinji Lake began outside the window. Against the night scenery, the lake shimmered under lights as countless water jets soared into the air, forming ever-changing shapes. Lights, water, and music blended together to create a spectacular audiovisual symphony on the water. While enjoying beautiful music, team members gathered together, toasted each other, and tasted the flavors of Suzhou, creating a warm and lively atmosphere that helped everyone relax after the afternoon’s activities.
On Saturday morning, the team left Jinji Lake and headed to Pingjiang Road, a historic cultural district in Suzhou’s old city. This area preserves the traditional“parallel waterway and street”layout, representing the essence of Suzhou’s ancient city culture. Team members strolled freely along the stone-paved streets lined with white walls and black-tiled traditional houses. Occasionally, they could hear the elegant sounds of Pingtan storytelling and boatmen singing from traditional rowing boats.Colleagues explored small specialty shops, tasted local snacks such as osmanthus cakes and mung bean soup, or stopped to take photos of the poetic scenery of bridges, waterways, and traditional residences. On this centuries-old street, the fast pace of modern work life gradually slowed down as everyone enjoyed the tranquility and charm of the ancient city.
In the afternoon, the team returned to Shanghai with full memories and pleasant experiences. This Suzhou team-building trip not only allowed everyone to relax physically and mentally after intense work but also helped strengthen team cohesion, collaboration, and collective productivity through fun group activities and open communication. It is believed that every team member will carry this joy and enthusiasm into future work with greater passion and stronger cooperation.