Russian students' immersive cultural trip in Jinan

Seventeen students from Kuban State University in Russia gained a deeper understanding of Jinan's history, culture, and everyday life during a two-week summer camp that combined language learning with hands-on cultural experiences.

The 2026 summer camp opened on Aug 12 in Jinan, Shandong province. During the camp, Jinan's springs offered students a window into the city's cultural character. They explored Baotu Spring, Black Tiger Spring, and Daming Lake, while the Yingxiongshan culture market gave them a glimpse into local cultural life through its antiques, paintings, calligraphy works, and traditional writing supplies.

Traditional arts and language learning provided opportunities for direct cultural exchange. The students practiced writing Chinese characters with brushes and ink, tried martial arts, paper-cutting, and Chinese knotting, and took part in interactive Chinese language classes with Chinese volunteers.

Their experience also extended to the city's history and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). At Shandong Museum, they learned about the region's history, while a visit to Shandong Xinzhonglu hospital of TCM introduced them to TCM practices. Lectures on Chinese history, geography, and clothing further broadened their understanding of China.

Russian students pose beside a spring during their visit to Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan International Communication Center]

A Russian student practices Chinese calligraphy during a cultural activity in Jinan. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan International Communication Center]