International Students from Shandong Normal University Explore Hongye Shiyan Maple Scenic Area

On October 25, 2026, faculty and students from the College of International Education at Shandong Normal University traveled to the Hongye Shiyan Scenic Area in Boshan District, Zibo, Shandong, for a themed study program. International students from 47 countries, including Russia, South Korea, and Vietnam, walked into the ten-thousand-acre Cotinus coggygria forest ablaze with autumn red, climbed the ruins of the thousand-year-old Qi Great Wall, and strolled through the 600-year-old Shiyan ancient village. Amid autumn colors and cultural heritage, they immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture and the landscape.

Ke Yilin from Russia said, "I think the scenery here is very beautiful. It can be described with the ancient Chinese idiom 'scenery as picturesque as a painting.'" Du Longfei from Saudi Arabia said, "This is the first time I've seen it. It's the most beautiful experience of my life. This is the most beautiful. I will not forget it."

In the 600-year-old Shiyan ancient village, the international students experienced Zibo's distinctive ceramic and glazed art and tasted authentic Zibo cuisine. Amid laughter and conversation, they deepened their understanding of Chinese culture.

This study tour to Hongye Shiyan has extended the class into green mountains and clear waters, serving as a vivid practice of Shandong Normal University's innovative education model. Through field visits and cultural interaction, the international students not only deepened their knowledge and recognition of China's traditional culture and contemporary rural development achievements, but also came to understand a more authentic and vibrant China.

Reporter: Dong Congzhe, Wang Xiaoying | Intern: Lin Zihui, Zhao Yunfeng