On November 9, the “Hospitable Shandong, Premium Shandong” International Friends’ Cultural Experience Tour arrived in Xueye Subdistrict, Laiwu District, Jinan. Visitors from around the globe gathered to explore the district’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage, immersing themselves in Shandong’s rich historical traditions and modern technological advancements.
The first stop was the Jin Yang Pass section of the Qi Great Wall, one of the oldest surviving walls in China, built during the Spring and Autumn Period. Known historically as "Tongqi Pass," this key gateway, one of the three major passes of the Qi Great Wall, bears witness to centuries of history and culture. Guided by staff, the visitors strolled along the ancient wall, admiring its majestic expanse while listening to stories of its storied past, evoking images of a time filled with beacon fires and military campaigns.
International visitors were particularly fascinated by the construction techniques and defensive systems of the wall. They examined its brickwork, watchtowers, and beacon platforms, marveling at the ingenuity and diligence of its builders. “I’m deeply interested in Chinese history and culture,” said Zhou Wei from Sudan. “I’ve visited the Great Wall before, but seeing the Qi Great Wall here is a completely different experience. I’ve learned about a unique aspect of Chinese culture and hope to visit again.”
Next, the group visited the CAS Beidou Digital Agriculture Demonstration Base. Here, they explored cutting-edge digital agricultural technologies and applications, including an integrated agricultural platform combining space, air, and ground networks, a demonstration base for geographical indication agricultural products, and a research hub for unmanned machinery in complex terrains.
“I am amazed by the extent of technological development,” said Muwenchun from Kenya. “Even space technology is being applied to agriculture in China. I’m at a loss for words to describe everything I’ve seen today—it’s truly astounding.” Many attendees expressed keen interest in digital agriculture and planned to share these advanced technologies with others.
The third stop was NAHAFA Xueye International Camping Resort. This visit allowed the guests to experience Chinese natural landscapes and camping culture while embracing the resort’s philosophy of “nature, joy, and family bonding.”
During the tour, the resort staff shared their innovative operational model, which combines “company + cooperative + farmers (merchants).” By partnering with nearby villages, such as Dongzhan Village, they established a luxury camping cooperative that integrates employment, dining, education, and sales, creating a win-win development model. This collaboration has increased Dongzhan Village’s collective economic income by nearly 900,000 yuan. International visitors praised the resort’s efforts in promoting camping culture and regional tourism development.
The final stop was the Heavenly Market Street rural tourism resort in Wanglao Village, nestled amidst picturesque mountains and lush greenery. The resort features diverse offerings, including mountain accommodations, stargazing campsites, culinary streets, folk culture experiences, and an arts-focused bookstore. Visitors enjoyed this multifaceted destination, where ancient-style streets, unique art spaces, and creative cultural landmarks like the "Ginger Sprout" and "Jiang Taigong" installations provided perfect photo opportunities.
“Today, we visited many places, enjoyed tea, went rafting, and even saw adorable animals. It was such a fun experience, and I look forward to coming back,” said Zino from Germany.
This “Hospitable Shandong, Premium Shandong” event in Laiwu District provided a platform for international guests to learn about and connect with Shandong’s culture. It also furthered the province’s efforts in international cultural exchange and collaboration. As more international visitors discover Shandong, new chapters of cultural exchange and cooperation are sure to unfold, strengthening bonds and fostering mutual understanding.