On October 30th, the International Exchange Association of the University of Jinan led a mountaineering and research trip to Qianfo Mountain. Foreign teachers Chris and DiDi participated alongside student representatives of the association, experiencing Jinan’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage during the climb and visit.

On the day of the event, the autumn sun was gentle and Qianfo Mountain was covered with dyed forests of red and gold. The teachers and students set off from the Qianfo Mountain Memorial Archway and first arrived at Guanyin Garden. The clear water in the pond reflected the Guanyin statue, and red prayer ribbons fluttered in the wind. The students introduced the implications of Guanyin culture and folk prayer customs to foreign teachers Chris and DiDi. Chinese and foreign teachers and students stopped to take photos here, capturing the unique autumn scenery of Jinan.

Subsequently, the group walked into the "Four Grottoes with Ten Thousand Images (formerly the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave)". The vivid replicas of the four great grottoes inside the cave, combined with colorful paintings and light and shadow, created a strong artistic atmosphere. The students explained the historical origin of grotto art to the foreign teachers in both Chinese and English. DiDi kept raising the camera to capture the details of the statues, marveling at the exquisite ancient Chinese sculpture and painting techniques; Chris showed great interest in the cultural integration stories behind the grottoes and had a lively exchange with the students.

As they climbed up the mountain trail, the teachers and students chatted all the way, talking about Jinan’s urban history and the cultural differences between China and the West. When they reached the viewing platform at the top of the mountain, the whole view of Jinan City came into sight, with distant mountains and the urban area forming a delightful contrast. Everyone sat around to share snacks, and foreign teacher Chris even interacted with the students in Chinese, filling the scene with laughter. Finally, the teachers and students took a group photo at the top of the mountain, bringing the research trip to a successful end.

This mountaineering activity at Qianfo Mountain not only allowed foreign teachers Chris and DiDi to experience Jinan’s natural and cultural charm immersively but also built a bridge for cultural exchange between Chinese and foreign teachers and students. A relevant person in charge of the International Exchange Association of the University of Jinan stated that they will continue to plan such cross-cultural exchange activities in the future, enabling international friends to better integrate into local life and allowing students to broaden their international horizons through communication.