Shandong targets socioeconomic progress via cultural exchanges

In the county-level city of Zhaoyuan in East China's Shandong province, more local communities are integrating culture and industry in an effort to boost socioeconomic progress.

Han Jiali, an official from Mengzhi subdistrict, said the idea was to attract foreign visitors via local culture as a means of growing the regional economy.

Moroccan visitor Aimma (left) learned Chinese calligraphy during her stay in Mengzhi subdistrict, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Moroccan visitor Aimma and others recently toured the Wali community in Mengzhi, learning Tai Chi and Chinese calligraphy.

Tai Chi integrates healthy living and traditional martial arts, emphasizing the unity of body and mind. Following the movements of Tai Chi teachers, Aimma imitates every move and gesture, "Tai Chi is not only a way of fitness, but also a philosophy of life," Aimma said.

At a calligraphy study session, the visitors were told that Chinese calligraphy expresses emotions through brush and ink, showcasing the beauty of Chinese characters with strokes, and is known as an "Oriental art flowing on the tip of the pen". Under the guidance of calligraphy teachers, the visitors spread paper, mixed ink, held pens and tried their hand at Chinese characters such as (he, harmony), and (fu, blessings).

Tourists learn Tai Chi in Mengzhi subdistrict, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

One visitor said the visit gave them a more profound understanding of Chinese culture, and that they hoped to have more chances to participate in similar activities in the future so they could bring some of the knowledge home with them.

"Civilizations become more vibrant through exchanges and richer through mutual learning," Han said, adding that the local economy also benefits.

Other regions in Zhaoyuan have launched similar moves to help propel their socioeconomic development.

Fushan town has developed the planting of characteristic agricultural products, such as cherries, blueberries and pears in recent years. Recently, a group of international students studying in China visited Donglige village to taste the local fruit and get acquainted with the farmers.

Visitors have also been invited to Qishan town, known for its Song Dynasty (960-1279) era Qishan Tower, to try its local distilled liquor and sweet potato products.

(chinadaily.com.cn)