To tell the story of Jinan well and expand its global network, the “Opportunity in China, Charm of Jinan” event for foreign media was held in Jinan from June 12-13. Hosted by the Jinan Municipal People’s Government Information Office and the Xinhua News Agency Information Center Shandong Branch, the event brought together journalists from South Korea, France, Germany, and Azerbaijan. Over two days, they visited key locations in Jinan, including Baotu Spring and Black Tiger Spring scenic areas, as well as the Yellow River Basin Hydrogen Industry Base, Jinan Institute of Nuclear Technology, Lingong Machinery, and Hongjitang Pharmaceutical. These visits highlighted Jinan's unique historical culture and dynamic, high-quality development.
Jinan is famously known as the "City of Springs" and the "World Capital of Springs.” Baotu Spring, acclaimed as "the best spring under heaven,” has long been a symbol of Jinan. On the afternoon of June 12, the foreign media delegation visited Baotu Spring, where they marveled at the clear, bubbling waters and took numerous photos. Black Tiger Spring is another beloved spring in Jinan, known for its powerful and impressive flow. The delegation experienced making tea with Black Tiger Spring water, praising its rich aroma and sweet, refreshing taste.
On June 13, the delegation toured production workshops at the Yellow River Basin Hydrogen Industry Base to learn about hydrogen fuel cell production and applications. They also visited the Institute of High Energy Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, gaining insights into how nuclear technology aids in artifact testing, medical equipment development, and radiopharmaceutical research.
Journalists at the Jinan Institute of Nuclear Technology visited the X-ray Precision Non-destructive Testing Laboratory and the Medical Imaging Laboratory. The institute focuses on applying nuclear technology in public safety, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to solve common technical challenges and facilitate the transition of scientific achievements from the lab to industry. Their goal is to create a world-class platform for nuclear technology application research and industrialization.
Next, the delegation visited Lingong Machinery, a subsidiary of the leading Chinese construction machinery group, Shandong Lingong. Lingong Machinery has been the global leader in mining truck sales for eight consecutive years and is among the world's top 50 construction machinery manufacturers. The company is actively expanding its international market, with subsidiaries in countries such as the Netherlands, the USA, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Indonesia, and a new manufacturing base in Mexico set to begin production in December 2023.
The final stop on the tour was Shandong Hongjitang Pharmaceutical Group. Established in 1907, Hongjitang is a century-old Chinese medicine enterprise known for its rich history and modernization efforts. The delegation toured the pharmaceutical exhibition hall, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cultural industry park, and the museum. Hongjitang has evolved from traditional manufacturing to a technology-driven enterprise, with innovations such as the "Smart TCM Pharmacy" service model and the "30-minute" smart TCM service circle.
The Jinan Area of China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone has pioneered several reforms to boost the bio-pharmaceutical industry, including streamlined import processes for medicinal products and the introduction of a "white list" for special items used in biopharmaceutical R&D. Additionally, Jinan FTZ has developed the first provincial policy to promote the innovation and development of the cell therapy industry, aiming to integrate technological and industrial innovation.
The “Opportunity in China, Charm of Jinan” event aimed to showcase Jinan's historical and cultural heritage and its vibrant modern industry to the world, enhancing its international reputation and influence. Through the eyes of foreign media, the event successfully communicated the dynamic story of Jinan.
(Li Xiaotong; Yuan Yuhua; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Hou Yawen; Liu Xiaohan; Lou Xinyu; Hui Sheng; Liang Ruixin; Dou Zhuoran; Kuang Qiongqiong; )