Crossing Mountains and Seas in Pursuit of Our Dreams—A Record of the Shandong Company’s Team-Building Event on Penglai and Changdao Islands

Release Date:

2024-09-13 14:58

As the 2024 National Day approaches, Shandong Company organized a team-building event for departmental assistants and above, as well as members of the Party, trade union, and Youth League, to Penglai and Changdao in Shandong Province.

At noon on September 6, the team arrived in Penglai by bus and first headed to the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area, one of China’s Four Great Towers. The ancient architectural complex of Penglai Pavilion perches atop Dan’ya Mountain, which juts into the Bohai Sea, its pavilions and halls nestled among verdant trees, their silhouettes set off against the vast expanse of azure waters—a breathtaking tableau that evokes the image of a celestial pavilion soaring above the clouds. Ascending the pavilion and leaning on the railing to gaze into the distance feels like riding the wind and soaring among the clouds, stirring an irresistible sense of awe at “three thousand miles of sea, cleaving waves and riding the breeze.” On the outer wall of the north side of the pavilion’s ground floor are three large inscribed stones reading “Azure Sea and Clear Breeze,” “The Sea Stirs Not,” and “A Mirror Reflecting the Realm.” During the Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895, Japanese warships shelled Penglai, striking the “The Sea Stirs Not” stone; the character “not” was damaged, and the scar remains visible today, prompting a sigh of regret.

To the southeast of Penglai Pavilion, at the foot of Danya Mountain, lies a stretch of water shaped like a knife fish, known as “Danyu Village.” The northern end of this waterside stronghold connects directly to the sea, and during the Ming dynasty, the renowned general Qi Jiguang once used it to train his naval forces. A national hero who rose from Penglai, Qi Jiguang entered military service at the age of seventeen, vanquishing Japanese pirates in the south and repelling the Tatar invaders in the north; he emerged victorious from countless battles, earning unparalleled merit. His famous verse—“To be ennobled is not my wish; I only hope for calm seas”—continues to inspire admiration through the ages. On the eastern side of the waterside stronghold stands the Qi Jiguang Memorial Hall and a statue; upon reaching this spot, all are filled with solemn reverence, and a deep sense of patriotism wells up naturally.

After touring the Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area, everyone took a boat from Penglai Port to Changdao Island. Located north of Penglai, Changdao comprises 32 islets, the largest of which are the North and South Changshan Islands. The island boasts a serene environment and breathtaking scenery. On the morning of the 7th, visitors explored the Jiuzhang Cliff Scenic Area, where奇 (peculiar), 雄 (majestic), 秀 (graceful), 美 (beautiful), and 险 (dramatic) elements are perfectly blended. Towering cliffs plunge straight into the sea, their imposing grandeur leaving visitors in awe.

 

Not far from Jiuzhang Cliff lies Yueya Bay Beach Park, where visitors wade and play, basking in the gentle sea breeze and crystal‑clear waters, and admiring the beach’s dazzling, pearl‑like multicolored pebbles. In the afternoon, everyone boards a fishing boat to enjoy angling and hauling in fish traps at sea, then heads ashore to steam and savor their catch, savoring the joy of the harvest. On the morning of the 8th, we make our way to Changshanwei, located at the southern tip of Changdao Island. Strolling along its southern promontory, we gaze out over the sea: to the left, the waves surge vigorously; to the right, the surface shimmers with gentle ripples; and between them, a distinct S‑shaped line emerges—this is the remarkable Huangbo Sea Boundary Line.

 

Having marveled at the wondrous beauty and grandeur of nature, this team-building event has now drawn to a close, and everyone set off on the journey home with hearts full of satisfaction. Over the course of three days and two nights, participants supported one another, sharing laughter and camaraderie every step of the way, helping each other along the way as they scaled mountains and crossed seas. They took in the splendor of our country’s landscapes, relaxed their minds, strengthened communication, deepened personal bonds, and further bolstered team cohesion.

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