A real, multi-dimensional and vivid China is unfolding to the world through Qingdao.

Photo: Qingdao SCO Culture and Tourism

Recently, nearly 100 international students and teachers from universities in Qingdao participated in the “SCO Together · Experiencing Qingdao” field study and cultural exploration activity. The event was launched at the Qingdao · SCO Pearl International Expo Center and followed three routes—industrial visits, rural culture and Silk Road experiences. The students went into Qingdao to experience the city and will share what they saw and heard with the world, so that more people can see Qingdao and understand China through SCO opportunities and the city’s practices of Chinese modernization.

Photo: Qingdao SCO Culture and Tourism

Observing intelligent manufacturing on production lines. The students visited the Yihai Kerry (Qingdao) Food Industrial Park, where they learned about the production process and quality control requirements for grain and oil products along processing, filling and testing lines. They gained a direct understanding of automated production lines and standardized management, and further appreciated the foundations and scale of Qingdao’s food industry.

Photo: Qingdao SCO Culture and Tourism

Learning intangible cultural heritage in Yanghe. In Caojiazhuang Village, Yanghe Town, two intangible cultural heritage items—Jiaozhou Yangge and Sanpu Longquan (Dragon Fist)—were performed. Inheritors demonstrated the key movements on site, and the students followed them to learn basic steps and hand techniques. Through participation, they experienced how local culture is expressed and passed down, and saw the practical results of rural revitalization in the changes to the village’s appearance.

Reading civilization at venues. The students completed a city landmark tour at SCO Pearl; at the Silk Road Eternal Love scenic area, they learned about the cultural imagery and commercial exchanges of countries along the Silk Road through scene-based performances; during the intangible cultural heritage experience session at SCO Pearl, they tried traditional blended-incense plaque making using ancient techniques under the guidance of inheritors.

Photo: Qingdao SCO Culture and Tourism

From production lines to rural stages, from city landmarks to Silk Road-themed settings, the international students measured Qingdao with their footsteps and understood China through experience. With its open and inclusive urban character, solid industrial foundation and rich cultural heritage, Qingdao is building a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning among young people from China and other countries.