On May 6th, Erhard RAU, Chairman of the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association, led a delegation to Jinan. They visited landmarks such as “the world’s best spring” and Kuanhouli, immersing themselves in the city's millennia-old cultural heritage. They met with representatives from the Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Chamber of International Commerce Shandong Chamber, discussing practical cooperation between Shandong and Germany in trade and investment, SME development, and cultural exchanges. Following the meeting, President Meng Xiangdong and Chairman Erhard RAU jointly unveiled the plaque for the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association's Shandong liaison office.

President Meng briefed the delegation on Shandong's economic and social development, highlighting its solid industrial foundation and vibrant market dynamics, offering favorable conditions and vast opportunities for deepening exchanges and cooperation with Germany. The Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Chamber of International Commerce Shandong Chamber expressed willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation with the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association, contributing to the exchange and development of various industries between Shandong and Germany.

Chairman Erhard RAU noted the shared economic development goals between Germany and China, laying the foundation for enhanced cooperation between Germany and Shandong. The German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association looks forward to partnering with the Shandong Provincial Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the China Chamber of International Commerce Shandong Chamber to explore various forms of cooperation in SME development, vocational education, and the healthcare industry, injecting new momentum into Sino-German cooperation.

President Meng and Chairman Erhard RAU jointly unveiled the plaque for the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association's Shandong liaison office. Established in 2012, the German Cultural and Economic Promotion Association is a non-profit organization composed of elites and experts from various sectors in Germany. It is dedicated to promoting cultural and economic exchanges between Germany and China, contributing to friendly relations between the two countries. Currently, the association has liaison offices in 12 cities in China, including Beijing, Jinan, and Sanya.

Bao Tuo Spring, Daming Lake, and Thousand Buddha Mountain are collectively known as Jinan's three major attractions. In the afternoon, Chairman Erhard RAU and his delegation visited the "First Spring Under Heaven" and Kuanhouli. Bao Tuo Spring, the first of Jinan's 72 springs, mesmerized them with its clear pool and three streams gushing out like wheels, the picturesque scene captivating their attention. They stopped to take photos in front of the three streams. In the old streets and alleys, they sampled traditional Shandong cuisine and experienced wearing traditional Chinese clothing. They praised Jinan's scenery and delicacies, wanting to return with friends and family.

The "Opportunity in China, Vibrancy of Shandong" cultural perception activity provided German visitors with insights into Jinan's development from cultural and economic perspectives, allowing them to experience the city's historical and cultural heritage and modern urban development firsthand, enabling them better to tell the story of Jinan in the new era. Today, Jinan's doors are increasingly open to the world, and its path to win-win cooperation with the world is broadening. Jinan is stepping out into the world with more incredible speed and solidity, embracing the world and the future with a broader vision!

(Li Xiaotong; Liu Xiaohan; Gong Lili; Hua Shan; Yuan Yuhua; Lou Xinyu; Hou Yawen; Liang Ruixin; Li Jiayin; Liu Lu; Dou Zhuoran)