On July 10th, 21 teachers and students from the Confucius Institute in Brittany, France, arrived in Jinan, the city of springs, to embark on a deep cultural perception journey centered on the spring culture. This event aims to enable foreign youth to experience and appreciate the excellent traditional Chinese culture, especially the profound Qilu culture and the unique charm of the city of springs through personal experience.

　　Upon their arrival in Jinan, the French students immediately felt the warmth of their hosts. At the opening ceremony, Kong Zi, Deputy Dean of the School of International Education at Shandong University, not only reviewed the long history of friendship between China and France but also expressed the hope that this visit would allow the French youth to gain a deeper, more authentic understanding of contemporary China. Mr. Blaise Thierrée, French Co-Director of the Confucius Institute of Brittany, also encouraged the students to cherish this rare immersive learning opportunity and to truly engage with the cultural heartbeat of Jinan—a city steeped in history and tradition.

　　Walking Through the Spring City: A Journey of Cultural Discovery

　　After the lively opening ceremony, the real exploration began—not confined to classrooms, but in the streets and scenic landmarks of Jinan. This “walk-and-learn” itinerary was carefully designed to offer a genuine cultural experience.

　　Tracing the Spirit of Springs

　　Known as the “City of Springs,” Jinan’s soul lies in its waters. The French students strolled along Baotu Spring and Black Tiger Spring, marveling at the gushing fountains and listening to the soothing murmurs of flowing water. Scooping a handful of crystal-clear spring water, they experienced the poetic charm behind the saying “Every household has spring water, and willows hang at every door,” gaining an understanding of the unique character water has bestowed upon the city.

　　Embracing Confucian Heritage

　 The land of Qilu is the birthplace of Confucian culture. At the Temple of Confucius in Jinan, the students immersed themselves in a profound cultural atmosphere. They practiced the ancient art of stone rubbing, bringing historical inscriptions vividly to life on paper, and donned flowing hanfu garments—feeling as though they had traveled back in time for a dialogue across millennia with the great sages.

　　Experiencing Traditional Crafts

　　In the historic Baihuazhou district, the students tried their hand at cloisonné enamel—a traditional intangible cultural heritage craft. With meticulous attention to every thread of wire and every stroke of color, they were amazed by the exquisite skills and ingenuity of Chinese artisans.

　　Language as a Bridge, Hearts in Harmony

On July 12, led by Director Blaise Thierrée, the French group visited the Alliance Française de Jinan—a cultural bridge with a mission aligned to that of the Confucius Institute: promoting language and cultural exchange. Here, they joined Chinese students learning French for a vibrant “Summer Language Party.”

During the activity, the French students practiced their Chinese in a lighthearted “language speed-dating” game. Simple greetings and fun questions quickly broke the ice, filling the room with laughter and turning language into a true bridge of hearts rather than a barrier.

　　The event concluded with an exchange of gifts: the French students brought souvenirs representing Brittany, while their Chinese counterparts offered gifts with a distinctly Chinese flavor. As these tokens of friendship—each carrying the imprint of its own culture—changed hands, words became unnecessary. Mutual respect and genuine friendship quietly took root.

　　From Landmarks to Daily Life, From Classrooms to Conversations

　　This journey to China took the French students from the grandeur of the Great Wall to the charming streets of Jinan. On the lively campus of Shandong University, they interacted with Chinese peers, sensing the vibrant pulse of contemporary China. The program seamlessly combined classroom learning with urban exploration, with themes like “Cultural Qilu,” “Modern Trends,” and “A Taste of China.” This approach enhanced their Chinese language skills while offering a multidimensional perspective on the integration of tradition and modernity in Jinan—and in China as a whole.

　　This year marks the 40th anniversary of the friendship between Shandong Province in China and the Brittany Region of France, giving this Jinan-centered cultural experience extraordinary significance for every French participant. It was no longer just a language-learning journey, but a heartfelt encounter and a dialogue between cultures. From marveling at the springs and feeling the elegance of hanfu, to the meticulous focus required for cloisonné craftsmanship, to the genuine exchanges and gift-giving at the Alliance Française, and evening strolls by Daming Lake and Fohui Mountain—the French students, through immersive exploration, firsthand observation, and sincere interaction, experienced every facet of Jinan: its gentle springs, profound history, vibrant craftsmanship, warm-hearted people, and the dynamic vitality of youth exchanges. In doing so, they truly felt the deep heritage of China’s fine traditional culture and the pulse of its rapid modernization.

　　Looking ahead, this profound cultural experience in Jinan—along with the cherished friendships formed at the Alliance Française—will, like seeds sown in fertile soil, continue to nurture mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese and French youth. The French students will take this unique experience back to France, becoming goodwill ambassadors for Chinese language and culture, and together they will help write a new and inspiring chapter in the next 40 years of China-France friendship. (By Liu Xiaohan and Li Xiaotong, photography by Gao Yuan, Jinan International Communication Center)