In order to help foreign students to have a better understanding of the Chinese traditional culture, from November 10th to 12th, 2017, Office of International Cooperation and Exchanges of Nanjing University organized a three-day “Cultural Exploring Trip to Shandong" for oversea exchange students. As the birthplace of Chinese traditional culture—Confucianism, Shandong has been a cultural pearl of China since ancient times. A total of more than 50 students in NJU joined this event.
On November 11th, following the lead of local guides, Lake, Baotu Spring and Shandong Provincial Museum. Alongside the Daming Lake, students walked in a leisurely pace while listening to the guide’s vivid introduction and appreciating the profound cultural heritage of Jinan.
Baotu Spring, known as “the best spring in the world”, was also impressive. The spring is so crystal-clear that tourists could the see its bottom where fishes were swimming and swirling. Apart from that, students also enjoyed chrysanthemum exhibition in the golden autumn of Jinan city.
In the afternoon, the group paid a visit to Shandong Provincial Museum, where various of ancient coins, animal specimens, calligraphy and ink painting works were showcased in more than 10 specialized exhibitions. Everyone was immersed in the fabulous history of Qilu culture.
The last day, on which students visited the hometown of Confucius, was the most amazing part of the trip. On the vast expanse of land, great sage Confucius was once born and buried. Needless to say, this place boasts as the most influential for Chinese traditional culture, and even had great impact on the cultural heritage of the whole world. It is worth mentioning that almost all the emperors of various Chinese dynasties had come here and worshiped Confucius for his great contribution, which also brought tremendous glory to Confucius hometown in return. Passing through step by step the six thresholds that symbolize six different dynasties in ancient China, students got deeper understanding of the two-thousand-years of Chinese history.
