“For me, this trip to Shandong is like a moving classroom—an immersive experience in the history, culture, and modern development of our motherland,” said Yim Yuk-yi, a student from The Education University of Hong Kong, as she reflected on the “2025 Fan Changjiang Action: Hong Kong Media Students' Tour of Shandong” on July 9.

From the meticulous craftsmanship of traditional Chinese medicine at Hongjitang, to the innovation-driven momentum of Shandong Hi-Speed Group; from the timeless echoes of ancient rituals at the Confucius Temple to the sight of giant cargo ships docking at Rizhao Port—Shandong vividly showcases the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity. For Yim, it offers a unique vantage point for observing Shandong’s development. “As media students, we look forward to continuing this journey with curiosity and a sense of mission to explore the province’s unique charm.”

The “2025 Fan Changjiang Action: Hong Kong Media Students’ Tour of Shandong” officially kicked off in Jinan on July 9. Over the course of eight days, journalism and media students from The Education University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and other institutions will visit cities such as Jinan, Tai’an, and Rizhao. As they travel, they will explore technological innovation and economic growth firsthand, recording stories of how tradition and modernity intertwine in Shandong through the written word.

“Seeing things for yourself is far more vivid than reading about them,” admitted Cao Yilin, a student at Hong Kong Baptist University, who visited Shandong as a child. She noted that the profound heritage of Qilu culture had already left a deep impression on her. During this journey, she especially looks forward to tracing the province’s changes over time with her own steps and documenting the historical and cultural continuity she encounters, in the hope of bringing the vitality of Chinese traditional culture to a wider audience.

Wong Yan-wai, a student from City University of Hong Kong who has also previously visited Shandong, said that his earlier impression was superficial, without deeper exploration of the province’s unique character. “This time,” he shared, “I can slow down, delve deeper into this land of talent and heritage, scale the majestic Mount Tai, and stroll through the ancient pines of Qufu to hear the echoes of Confucian culture through the ages. I will document everything I see, feel, and think with vivid storytelling so more people can understand the cultural roots and modern energy of Shandong.”

According to Zhang Liansan, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Shandong Provincial Government, this event is another testament to the deepening cooperation between Shandong and Hong Kong. “We hope this visit helps students better understand Shandong and, through their writing, share a more authentic, multidimensional, and complete picture of the province with people in Hong Kong.” He also encouraged the students to take this experience as a starting point for integrating into the national development agenda and to grow into new forces for future Shandong–Hong Kong exchange and cooperation. “We also hope this journey builds an emotional bond with Shandong, and that the students become bridges of friendship and collaboration in the years to come.”

“This is the third time the Fan Changjiang Action has brought students to Shandong, and choosing it as the base for this journalistic fieldwork is highly significant,” said Lou Bing, Deputy General Manager of Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group. “It offers us an excellent lens to observe, understand, and report on a province with both deep history and dynamic change.” Lou emphasized that the 2025 program is not only a journalism practicum, but also a powerful form of national education and a journey of cultural rediscovery and identity. “We hope students come with curiosity, leave with insight, write with responsibility, and truly feel the warmth of the Shandong people and the richness of Chinese civilization, while documenting the transformation taking place across this vibrant land.”

The “Fan Changjiang Action” was launched by Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group in Hong Kong in memory of renowned journalist Fan Changjiang. Designed to provide practical field reporting experience to aspiring journalists, the initiative has, since its inception in 2014, involved more than 840 students from Hong Kong. These students have followed over 50 themed reporting routes across China, producing more than 2,600 news stories and over 3,500 photographs.