Across mountains and seas to Zibo American friends enjoy books and calligraphy

In late March, Bruce and Lena from the United States made a special trip to Zhangdian District, Zibo City, Shandong Province, China, for an immersive tour themed on traditional Chinese culture. Drawn by their fondness for Zibo’s culture, this was their second visit. From the literary charm of Zhongshuge Haidai Tower, hailed as "China’s Most Beautiful Bookstore", to the lively feast of Zibo barbecue, and the elegant art of traditional Chinese calligraphy, the two American friends were fully immersed throughout, deeply experiencing the unique allure of fine traditional Chinese culture, which felt fresh and unforgettable to them.

As a new cultural landmark of Zibo, Zhongshuge Haidai Tower is the largest single Zhongshuge store nationwide. It integrates distinctive Zibo elements such as the ancient capital of the Qi State, ceramics, glass, and natural karst caves, with unique features on every floor and cultural details in every corner, earning it the title of "China’s Most Beautiful Bookstore". Upon arrival, Bruce and Lena were immediately captivated by the symmetrically arranged bookshelves and the sleek, linear spatial design. They strolled slowly among the shelves, gently touching the book covers with their fingertips, pausing occasionally to read books on Chinese history and culture, or admire cultural and creative products infused with local Zibo elements.

After enjoying the literary experience, Bruce and Lena visited a popular local barbecue restaurant to taste the world-famous Zibo barbecue. Slow grilling over small stoves, wrapping meat in thin pancakes, and scallions with dipping sauce—this unique dining style and strong street food vibe form Zibo’s distinctive food culture. Tender grilled meat paired with authentic ways of eating offers both great flavor and a sense of ritual, making it a renowned culinary icon of Zibo. They fully enjoyed the lively atmosphere of gathering around the grill, savored the local street culture and Zibo people’s hospitality, and repeatedly praised the unique taste experience.

What fascinated the two friends most during the trip was watching traditional Chinese calligraphy creation up close. In the studio of calligrapher Wang Qiang, they witnessed the spectacular scene of ink splashing: the calligrapher focused calmly, completing the movements of lifting, moving, and finishing the brush in one smooth flow. As ink spread on rice paper, bold and powerful characters took shape. "Calligraphy is truly an amazing art," Bruce watched the process intently, exclaiming in admiration from time to time. Later, Master Wang Qiang inscribed folding fans for the two foreign friends, sending cultural blessings through brush and ink. Delighted, they carefully kept the artworks, saying they would treasure them as precious souvenirs.

Throughout this immersive tour, Bruce and Lena gained an in-depth experience of the diverse charm of traditional Chinese culture. Every moment—from literature and food to calligraphy—left a deep impression on them. In recent years, Zhangdian District of Zibo has been continuously exploring the essence of traditional culture and promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism. Landmarks such as Zhongshuge Haidai Tower, Babaju Market, and the Ceramics and Glass Museum have become local cultural and tourism icons, attracting more and more foreign visitors. They have also become an important bridge for cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world.