Recently, the “Hospitality Shandong, Springs in Jinan” 2025 Korea Suwon Cultural Exchange Event was successfully held at the Cultural Center of Kyonggi University in Suwon, South Korea. The event aimed to highlight the unique cultural charm of Jinan’s Lixia, Tianqiao, Gangcheng, and Licheng districts through inter-city mutual learning and collaboration. It established a framework for exchange built on “springs as a cultural bridge, culture as a catalyst for urban vitality, and industry as a driver of integration.” The event showcased Jinan’s distinctive landscape of “mountains, springs, lakes, rivers, and city,” alongside Suwon’s fusion of tradition and modernity. It also marked a step forward in deepening cooperation between the two cities across cultural tourism, economic and trade exchanges, and technological collaboration, injecting fresh momentum into Jinan’s efforts to become an international hub and contributing to the development of a China-Korea community of shared culture and values.

Promoting City IP: Lixia Souvenirs Deliver Cultural Warmth

Lixia District has been committed to telling its story through the concept of “souvenirs,” creating a cultural lifestyle brand that reflects the essence of Lixia. At the event, the “Cultural Lixia · Souvenirs with Emotion” City IP Showcase featured curated products embodying the spirit of Jinan and the cultural heritage of the Qilu region. Highlights included the Peace Knot of Mountains and Springs and the Framed Painting of Lotus-scented Daming Lake, each piece carrying cultural memory and emotional warmth from Jinan. Additionally, the intangible cultural heritage product Su Liu He Jujube Tea, known for its century-old traditional preparation method and health benefits, was met with enthusiastic praise from Korean audiences.

Light and Shadow Dialogue: Tianqiao’s Urban DNA on Display

The “Cultural Tianqiao · Bridge Between China and Korea” photo exhibition presented the fusion of tradition and modernity in Jinan’s Tianqiao District through a unique lens and rich imagery. From the natural beauty of Wulongtan and the revitalization of the Jiaozhou–Jinan Railway Museum industrial site to the transformation of the Chengfeng Flour Factory into an e-sports industrial park, each photograph offered Korean audiences a glimpse into Tianqiao’s dynamic balance of heritage preservation, industrial legacy, technological innovation, and cultural creativity.

Living Heritage Shines: Gangcheng’s Vibrant Cultural Roots

At the “Cultural Gangcheng · Han Charm Chinese City” intangible cultural heritage showcase, traditional crafts such as Qingquan Clay Sculpture and Han Dynasty Stone Rubbing took center stage. Bilingual explanations detailed the history and craftsmanship behind each item, while interactive sessions allowed Korean visitors to try their hand at pewter engraving and rubbings. Of special note was Jin’s Needle Embroidery, newly listed as part of Shandong’s sixth batch of representative intangible cultural heritage in 2024, which captivated visitors with its artistic elegance. The five stone rubbing pieces from Zhai’s Jinshi Rubbing Studio were also widely acclaimed for their refined technique.

Licheng’s Ink and Charm: A Thousand-Year Legacy Across Borders

Named after Mount Li, Licheng is known as the “First County of Qilu.” Established in 153 BCE during the reign of Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty, it boasts over 2,000 years of history. The “Ink and Charm of Licheng · Shared Artistry” painting and calligraphy exhibition showcased works such as Autumn Colors of Quehua and The Legacy of Bao Xian, revealing the district’s ancient cultural heritage and modern transformation. These vivid ink paintings allowed Korean audiences to appreciate Licheng’s natural beauty, as well as the vitality and resilience of its people in a new era.

Deepening Cooperation: Building a China-Korea Cultural Bridge

The successful staging of the “Hospitality Shandong, Springs in Jinan” Suwon Cultural Exchange Event brought an immersive cultural experience to the people of Suwon while also providing a vital platform for China-Korea cultural dialogue and mutual learning. Through creative product showcases, photo exhibitions, art displays, and hands-on heritage activities, attendees from both countries gained deeper insights into each other’s traditions and contemporary achievements—fostering mutual understanding and friendship.

At the event, representatives from the Suwon City Government, local media, the Korea-China Friendship Association, scholars, entrepreneurs, and members of the Chinese community in Korea all expressed admiration for Jinan’s rich and unique culture. Many shared their eagerness for more such events in the future to further deepen cultural exchange and integration between China and Korea.

Looking ahead, Jinan will continue to promote high-quality cultural exchange programs, encouraging outstanding cultural elements to “go global,” so the world can better understand Jinan and appreciate the distinctive charm of traditional Chinese culture.