Expats dressed in traditional apparel pose for a group photo in Mingshui Ancient City in Jinan. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]

Eleven expats from countries including Russia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Morocco recently visited Mingshui Ancient City in Zhangqiu district, Jinan, where they explored the lifestyle of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) depicted in the poems of female poet Li Qingzhao (1084-1155).

The expats dressed in traditional apparel and walked through the ancient city, participating in various interactive activities including touhu, also known as pitch-pot, which requires players to throw arrows from a distance into a pot, and writing Chinese calligraphy. They experienced up-close the traditional customs of the Shangsi Festival, which commemorates the possible birthday of the Yellow Emperor, the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation.

By the former residence of Li in Mingshui Ancient City, the expats enjoyed tea and discussed poetry. They either quoted classic lines from Li's works or spontaneously composed verses.

Expats showcase their calligraphy work during their visit to Mingshui Ancient City in Jinan. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]

Expats play touhu, also known pitch-pot, which requires players to throw arrows from a distance into a pot, during their visit to Mingshui Ancient City in Jinan. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]