To further promote university students’ understanding of society and national conditions, and to enhance their practical skills and sense of social responsibility, in January 2025, the QMES “Legacy in Rhythm & Voyage of Vinous Vision” Winter Social Practice Team embarked on a field study in their hometown of Jiaodong. Located in the easternmost part of Shandong Province, Jiaodong is surrounded by the sea on three sides, offering breathtaking landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. The practice team visited this land, where mountains and seas intertwine, to explore the region's magnificent history and culture.
A Vast Collection, Carving Historical Memories
The research team arrived at the Yantai Museum to explore the historical lineage of the Jiaodong region. Progressing through successive exhibition halls, the comprehensive developmental narrative of this eastern Shandong territory unfolded before our eyes. From the archaeological sites of the Shell Midden Culture to the sophisticated pottery of the Longshan Civilization, from the Ming-Qing dynasties’ resistance against Japanese marauders to the revolutionary fervour of the 1911 Xinhai Revolution, from the bustling prosperity of treaty port commerce to the crucible of the Anti-Japanese War - each meticulously curated display facilitated profound new comprehension of Jiaodong’s historical trajectory.
Fires of Jiaodong, Honouring the Red Spirit
The Jiaodong Revolutionary Memorial Hall stands solemnly at the foot of Yantai Hill, its crimson-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls gazing seaward in steadfast contemplation. Crossing the threshold transports visitors across temporal boundaries into the epic revolutionary era, where the research team immersed themselves in historical study. Each commemorative artefact and archival photograph manifests as an imperishable monument, profoundly resonating with participants through visceral encounters with revolutionary forebears’ extraordinary valour. This experiential pedagogy illuminated the unwavering ideological convictions sustaining successive generations of Chinese Communists in their sacred historical mission.
Ancient Streets and Alleys, Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage
Suochengli, originally designated as the Qishan Defensive Garrison during the Ming dynasty, is a meticulously restored military stronghold where ancient fortification walls and architectural structures have been authentically reconstructed. Contemporary enhancements include purpose-built exhibition spaces dedicated to Jiaodong’s intangible cultural heritage traditions. Under the tutelage of master artisans, team members engaged in hands-on practice of traditional crafts including clay sculpting, textile tie-dyeing, and stone rubbing techniques. Detailed technical demonstrations elucidated each discipline’s operational principles and historical evolution, enabling participants to acquire practical skills and a scholarly understanding of these endangered art forms. This immersive engagement not only preserved vanishing cultural knowledge but significantly reinforced collective appreciation for regional patrimony.
Industry Research, Tasting a Century of Rich Cultural Legacy
The practice team also researched the wine industry’s distinctive characteristics, delving into the experiences and challenges faced by Yantai’s wine culture in areas such as industry integration, brand development, and market expansion. It was an immersive cultural journey, centuries in the making.
The team then visited the Zhangyu Wine Culture Museum, a place rich in historical significance. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the team was shown a collection of valuable photographs and ancient winemaking tools, each item telling the story of the origins, development, and unique production techniques of wine. The team felt as though they were stepping back in time, witnessing the entire journey of wine, from its beginnings to its rise to prominence.
At the Jun Ding Winery in Nanwangshan, Penglai, the sight of roses growing alongside the grapevines left a deep impression on the practice team. The guide explained to the team that roses are highly sensitive to pests and diseases, functioning almost like a natural monitoring system. When the roses are affected by pests or diseases, it serves as an early warning for the vineyard. The practice team fully appreciated how this innovative planting method not only protects the quality of the grapes but also reflects the unique wisdom and professional expertise behind the development of the business.
During the event, the company thoughtfully arranged a wine-tasting session. Throughout the tasting, the team gained a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of wine culture, gaining a profound understanding of its historical origins and the diverse cultural traditions that have been passed down through the ages.
During this practical activity, the “Legacy in Rhythm & Voyage of Vinous Vision” Social Practice Team delved into the unique history and culture of the locality through on-site investigation, visits, and immersive experiences. This process has deepened their understanding of the historical mission and social responsibilities that contemporary youth are shouldering. The team members unanimously expressed their determination to uphold the spirit of hard work and pragmatism in their learning and practice. They are committed to forging ahead with vigour and taking up their responsibilities resolutely, striving to let their youth blossom into splendid flowers in the fervent practice of comprehensively building a modern socialist country.
Text: Wang Guanlin, Gu Shouling, Shi Hengyu
Photo: Field Team Members
Editor: Huang Jiaxin and Chen Xinyan
Translator: Shen Xinyi
Reviewer: Cheng Yin
