China News Service, Jinan, January 26 (Li Mingrui, Du Xinyi) “The visits and lectures over the past few days have given me a better understanding of Qilu culture, and I feel that it still has the same ancient charm as written in the textbooks, and is a cultural treasure. Zhang Shuting, a student at Kaohsiung Normal University, said this in an interview with a reporter from China News Service on January 26.
Taiwanese students participated in a lecture on China’s excellent traditional culture. Photo by Li Mingrui
On the same day, students who participated in the Shandong branch of the 2024 All-China Taiwan Federation’s 30th Taiwan Compatriots Youth Winter Camp visited Qingdao, Weifang, and Zibo, then traveled to Jinan, Shandong, and listened to a lecture on China’s excellent traditional culture. Nearly 30 young Taiwanese students from Kaohsiung Normal University, National Taiwan University of the Arts, Taiwan I-Shou University and other universities shared their "Shandong love" after having a deep understanding of Qilu culture.
Although Zhang Shuting came to Shandong for the first time, her previous knowledge of Shandong was only limited to the introduction in textbooks, but this winter camp made her feel the "thickness", "breadth" and "magnanimity" of Qilu culture. She told reporters that after listening to the lecture, she not only saw Shandong's many historical sites and outstanding people, but also learned that Shandong is the "cradle" that gave birth to hundreds of schools of thought and that numerous saints and sages have emerged.
"Before listening to the lecture, we also visited the Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall. This was one of the most anticipated itineraries of my trip. I never expected that I could really visit ancient times, study and pursue saints in Shandong." Zhang Shuting said.
Like Zhang Shuting, Huang Chunjing from Yunlin University of Science and Technology learned her first impression of Qilu culture from textbooks. She said: "This visit allowed me to understand the rich regional culture of Shandong. The 'Qi culture' and the 'Lu culture' are organically integrated here, connecting ancient and modern times, forming a profound Qilu culture. This makes me look forward to the next step even more." During the journey, there are so many 'mysteries' in Shandong waiting for me to discover."
"Qilu culture has shaped the character of Shandong people who are simple, kind, affectionate and trustworthy." Zeng Yujia, a student from National Chengchi University, paid more attention to the inheritance of Shandong's "hospitality quality" mentioned in the lecture. In her opinion, "It's a great pleasure to have friends from far away" is the best interpretation of Shandong people's hospitality.
During the 8-day trip, Taipei students will also visit famous monuments such as Guangyue Tower in Liaocheng, Confucius Mansion and Confucius Temple in Qufu, and Mount Tai in Tai'an. (over)