Young expats visit Qufu in Jining. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

July 5 marked the beginning of Shandong's "Generation Z" cultural tour, stopping first in Jining city.

A group of international youths from Russia, Japan, the United States, Kazakhstan, Egypt and Thailand visited Qufu and Yanzhou.

In Qufu's Luxiang New Village, they took part in activities like silk embroidery, archery and calligraphy - crafts that have been practiced for centuries.

They also made rubbings at the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion, absorbing the philosophy that has helped shape Chinese civilization.

Young expats make rubbings in Qufu. [Photo/Qilu News]

In Yanzhou, the young visitors toured Niulou Town and marveled at the flower and sea landscape. They also visited the modern agricultural park to learn about modern agricultural techniques, and were captivated by the hall exhibiting the life of Niu Yunzhen, a 19th century local hero.

In addition, the young travelers appreciated local embroidery, the designs of hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) and folk performances, gaining insight into the vitality of Yanzhou's cultural traditions.

"The tour offered me a chance to communicate with international students from other countries and get a close look at traditional Chinese culture. I truly experienced the cultural diversity and the integration of different civilizations during the activity," said Sui Ying, a student from Shandong University of Political Science and Law.

Young expats pose for a photo in Yanzhou. [Photo/Dazhong News]