At a handicraft workshop within the ancient site, the group experienced paper-cutting and ink stone making techniques, as well as the chance to try on hanfu, a traditional Chinese clothing style, which offered them a deeper insight into traditional Chinese culture.

"China's culture has deep roots and represents the essence of the country. This holds true for Rizhao as well," shared Esha Maqbool from Pakistan, who is pursuing a doctoral degree at Shandong Normal University.

During their visit to the Jiaojing Building on Fulai Mountain and the Juzhou Museum, the expats learned about the study of literary criticism and contributions of Liu Xie, a literary critic who lived during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-581).

His masterpiece Wenxin Diaolong, or The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, which makes a detailed exploration of the aesthetic essence of language and literature, had profoundly influenced ancient Chinese literature and art theory and is a significant cultural heritage in Rizhao.

"This trip has been truly memorable, with captivating visits to various places, especially the paper-cutting and tea-picking sites. Learning about the philosophy of the critic, which holds great significance, has been an enriching experience," said Shoaib Kahut from Pakistan.