Gathering by the famous springs, sharing a deep connection with the spring water. During the 2024 Jinan Spring Water Festival, to further enhance the unique brand of the City of Springs, increase the international prominence, reputation, and recognition of Jinan’s spring water, and accelerate its journey to the world, the "Exploring Shandong and Experiencing Jinan" series of events was held on August 15 at the "Number One Spring Under Heaven" scenic area. Robert Palomino, a Spanish language teacher at Shandong University, Siestagov Alexey, an art and dance teacher at Shandong Xiehe University, along with over ten international students from Shandong University and Shandong Jiaotong University, gathered by Daming Lake to admire the famous springs, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and immerse themselves in an extraordinary "spring water feast." Together with Chinese and foreign spring water advocates, they embarked on a fascinating dialogue between the ancient city and the new era of the strong provincial capital.

　　During the event, international friends from France, Russia, Africa, and Algeria, led by a tour guide, visited scenic spots such as Beishui Gate, Beiji Temple, and Zeng Gong Memorial. Following the tour, they boarded a boat to cruise on Daming Lake, enjoying the riverside scenery and experiencing the rich historical stories of the City of Springs. From the boat, they admired the wide expanse of the lake, the gentle ripples of the water, and the beauty of "sailing within a painting, lingering within a scene." It was as if they were in a landscape painting, and the international friends eagerly took out their phones to capture the stunning lake views.

　　The event concluded with a group of Chinese and international friends walking to the shore near Nanfeng Theater to watch the "Encounter with Daming Lake: Painted Boats Performance." Together, they experienced Jinan, appreciating the grandeur of its mountains, the sweetness of its springs, the tranquility of its lakes, the vastness of its rivers, and the elegance of its city. This cultural exchange was not only an action on the road to World Heritage recognition but also a moment of connection between the ancient springs and contemporary Jinan—allowing the world to witness the surging spring waters and the era to see the thriving Jinan.

(Reporters: Kuang Qiongqiong, Lou Xinyu, Yuan Yuhua, Hua Shan, Liang Ruixin, Fan Mingming, Wang Yizhuo, Echo, Peng Dong, Liu Xiaohan

Photography: Zhou Xingquan

Videography: Gao Yuan, An Shuo, Wei Tianyi

Interns: Du Meng, Xing Shumin)