Spring Water Culture and Qilu Flavors Win Hearts in South Korea: Jinan's Overseas Cultural Showcase Draws Crowds

On July 16, the Jinan International Communication Center visited one of Jinan's sister cities in South Korea to host an offline cultural exchange event. Centered on the unique charm of Jinan, the showcase brought the city's iconic spring water culture, intangible cultural heritage, and signature Qilu cuisine to local visitors through an immersive display of tangible exhibits, offering an engaging introduction to the stories and traditions of the Spring City.

One of the most eye-catching attractions was a collection of traditional Chinese folding fans featuring ink-wash paintings of Baotu Spring. Depicting the scenic beauty of the "No. 1 Spring Under Heaven," the elegant fans drew many guests, who stopped to admire the artwork and experience the poetic charm of Jinan's iconic landscape.

The exhibition also featured a colorful array of creative cultural products, including stickers illustrated with Jinan landmarks and classic Shandong dishes, souvenir magnets showcasing the city's historic scenery, and postcards capturing the character of its streets and neighborhoods. A traditional paper-cutting craft kit was also on display, offering visitors a closer look at the intricate artistry of one of Shandong's cherished intangible cultural heritage traditions.

Authentic Jinan delicacies proved equally popular. Traditional rose pastries, handmade multigrain pancakes, and other classic Shandong specialties were beautifully presented as regional gifts. Many South Korean visitors paused to sample the treats, discovering the rich flavors of Jinan while gaining a taste of the warmth and everyday charm that define life in Qilu.

From ink-painted folding fans and traditional paper-cutting to rose pastries, handmade pancakes, postcards, and city-themed stickers, every exhibit reflected a different facet of Jinan's cultural identity. Through displays that visitors could see, taste, and interact with, the event brought the city's rich heritage vividly to life. Many guests stopped to learn more about the stories behind Jinan's renowned spring water culture, its intangible cultural heritage, and its urban development, gaining a deeper appreciation of the unique appeal of China's celebrated Spring City.

Reporter: Lou Xinyu, Jinan International Communication Center