From June 5^th to 9th, 2025, more than 30 students and faculty members from the Master of International Business (MIB) program at Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Antai College of Economics and Management embarked on a five-day academic study tour across Shandong Province. The tour gave students a chance to appreciate both the historical and cultural depth of cities like Qufu and Jinan, as well as the economic growth and innovation happening in places like Qingdao. A meaningful mix of learning about China’s past while also seeing how the country is moving forward. Beyond the classroom, the tour gave students a chance to engage directly with local culture and business practices in a hands-on, memorable way.

Highlights from the Field

Day 1: Craftsmanship and Industrial Insights

Tianxuan Rotary Joint Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
At one of Shandong’s earliest Sino-foreign joint ventures, students explored the factory's provincial testing center and observed cutting-edge technologies in action. The visit provided valuable insight into the principles of innovation-driven growth and high-quality manufacturing—key components of China’s industrial competitiveness.

Tengzhou Museum
A guided tour through 8,000 years of artifacts—including Neolithic pottery, Han Dynasty bronze mirrors, and Song-Yuan ceramics—allowed students to deepen their understanding of Chinese civilization’s continuity and regional diversity. The immersive exhibits fostered both intellectual curiosity and cultural sensitivity.

Day 2: Cultural Heritage and Philosophical Traditions

Weishan Lake and Xiaolizhuang
At Xiaolizhuang near Weishan Lake, students visited the former base of the Railway Guerrilla forces, an important center of Chinese resistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The site offered a powerful glimpse into the country’s wartime history and the lasting impact of its struggle for liberation.

The “Three Confucian Sites” in Qufu
In Qufu—the hometown of Confucius—students visited the Confucius Temple, Mansion, and Cemetery. Guided explanations highlighted the continued relevance of Confucian ethics in today’s society, particularly in areas such as organizational culture and social responsibility.

Day 3: Cultural Dialogue and Academic Exchange

Jinan: Baotu Spring and Daming Lake
Students experienced daily life in the "City of Springs" by collecting natural spring water alongside local residents and enjoying a serene walk around Daming Lake, appreciating traditional Chinese concepts of harmony with nature.

Shandong University Museum
The museum’s rich exhibits on political institutions, trade development, and intercultural exchange prompted students to reflect on China’s civilizational continuity. A student from Guatemala noted striking similarities between Chinese bronze ware and Mayan artifacts—sparking discussions on parallel development and ancient connectivity.

Academic Seminar at Shandong University
In a special session hosted by Associate Professor Dr. Li Ruochen from the Center for Economic Research at Shandong University, students explored the concept of “market power” using the Bertrand competition model and discussed the influence of digital platforms on consumer behavior. The seminar highlighted the program’s integration of theory with practical analysis.

Day 4: Brand Narratives and Cultural Fusion

Tsingtao Beer Museum
Through the lens of one of China’s oldest beer brands, students learned how national enterprises navigate globalization by leveraging product innovation, international branding, and cultural storytelling.

Badaguan Scenic Area
Strolling through this coastal area famed for its mix of Chinese and Western architecture, students reflected on the historical encounters between East and West. For one student from Uzbekistan, seeing the sea for the first time made the moment even more unforgettable.

Day 5: Innovation and the Future of Enterprise

Haier Group Headquarters
The tour concluded with a visit to Haier, a global leader in smart home solutions. Students engaged with its "Rendanheyi" management philosophy, explored the COSMOPlat industrial internet platform, and participated in interactive product design sessions. The visit exemplified how user-centered innovation continues to shape China’s industrial transformation.

Reflection and Outlook

In just five days and four cities, students witnessed how history and modernity converge in Shandong—from Confucian philosophy and wartime memory to cutting-edge smart manufacturing. The province's unique development model, strong cultural foundation, and vibrant industrial ecosystem offered a living classroom for MIB students to observe, analyze, and reflect.

This study tour not only deepened students’ understanding of regional diversity and development in China, but also strengthened their ability to communicate across cultures and apply classroom knowledge in real-world contexts. The MIB program will continue to advance its "classroom + field" integrated approach to talent cultivation, preparing students to become globally-minded professionals with strong local insights.

Special thanks to:
Tianxuan Rotary Joint Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Tengzhou Museum, Weishan Lake Management Committee, Confucius Cultural Sites in Qufu, the Center for Economic Research at Shandong University, Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., and Haier Group for their generous support and warm hospitality.

With this journey behind them, MIB students now return with deeper knowledge, greater perspective, and renewed commitment to creating value in both society and business.