Shandong's country shines in civilized development

Editor's Note:

The Yellow River runs through nine cities in East China's Shandong province and flows into the sea, bringing vitality and prosperity to the land. Along its banks, numerous intangible cultural heritage projects have been created and inherited, reflecting the colorful scenery, brilliant culture and rich diversity of Shandong. Shandong is a province with a long history and a splendid civilization. It boasts 186 national-level intangible cultural heritage projects, ranking it second in the country. Moreover, eight projects have been inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, according to the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Join me on a journey in Meeting the Sea Along the Yellow River in Shandong, to discover the treasures of intangible cultural heritage there and appreciate the charms of this ancient and modern land.

Dongming county in Heze city – in East China's Shandong province – is the first place where the Yellow River flows in the province.

Over the past few years, the county has connected 24 provincial-level villages along the banks of the Yellow River to form a showcase belt under the theme of the Homeland of Zhuangzi with Yellow River Style in the new era.

It's taken advantage of the rich resources of its local culture, including the philosophy of Zhuangzi, the Yellow River culture and the tradition of revolution.

Dongming county has rolled out various approaches to promote Party history storytelling and reading activities to make the Party's innovative concepts accessible to everyone, among other things.

Additionally, special events like a summer swimming safety and drowning prevention teach-in are regularly organized to protect the health and safety of the people.

Dongming residents gather on the banks of the Yellow River to share thoughts on Chinese traditional virtues. [Photo by Zhao Yajing for chinadaily.com.cn]

In addition, Dongming county has set up a raft of bases and public squares to show a positive lifestyle in line with Chinese traditional virtues. What's more, it's using online platforms to display public service advertisements, report on virtue-related activities and tell stories about role models – all in an effort to encourage a more civilized life.

To top it off, Dongming county has established memorials, ancient villages and history and culture gardens to introduce Yellow River culture, intangible cultural heritage and local folklore to the outside world.

These attractions are said to serve as a powerful connection to the Homeland of Zhuangzi and the Yellow River-style showcase belt. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)