The 2017 China Global Think Tank Innovation Summit themed with ”Building the High-end Think Tank Cluster, Accelerate Regional Economic Transformation “kicked off in Qingdao recently, attracted over 70 think tank experts from 20 countries and regions to participate to give their insights on Qingdao development and to provide feasible and foreseeing suggestions about government policies. The Qingdao new type think tank cluster mansion was unveiled in the summit, the Qingdao think tank achievement transformation exchange platform launched, over 10 think tank programs signed agreement.

    Jointly sponsored by the Qingdao Government, CCG, TTCSP and Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences Think Tank Research Center, and undertaken by the Peking University City Management Research Institute, Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, Shibei District Government, North China Global Talent Institute, 2017 China Global Think Tank Innovation Summit aims to build a platform for thoughts exchange to help Qingdao in accelerating regional economic transformation and building Smart Valley. (Yu Ruixin)

    US College Students in Qingdao Series Report

    US college students to approach Laoshan history and culture

    “This tree in front of the palace has a beautiful name called Jiang Xue, it has a very romantic love story in Chinese novels…” US student Felipe Guell Bernardi was in live broadcast on his mobile phone to his followers while visiting the Taiqing Palace in Laoshan on the morning of 23rd June.

    The Qingdao Daily multi-media platform organized Sino-US cultural exchange team to visit Laoshan to approach history, culture and folk culture of Laoshan jointly with Qingdao Municipal Information Office and Laoshan district propaganda department. 13 Chinese major US college students from South Florida University (SFU) visited Taiqing Palace, they made Wangge village big steam bun by handand visited tea parks to pick tealeaves in tea gardens to approach Laoshan culture and Qingdao charm. “Before I came to Qingdao I thought all Chinese cities are the same, but now I find Qingdao is a so beautiful place. I wish I could live here.” Communications major Nadia Morgan came to Qingdao for the 1st time, the beautiful Qingdao view and nice Qingdao people impressed her.

    During their visit to Taiqing Palace, dragon fist master Kuang Ruhu showed a set of Chinese Tai Chi for US college students, stirred applause among them. International relations major student Nia Knighton said: “I have seen Kungfu Panda before, this is the 1st time I’ve seen Tai Chi. There is a Chinese old saying Xingyunliushui, I didn’t quite understand when teacher taught me, now I understand. Tai Chi is so gentle, but smooth, just liking flowing white cloud and water. Teacher told me that Chinese people like harmony, I can feel it in Tai Chi.”

    Handsome Felipe is a social media master in his college. He, who comes from Brazil, has thousands of Instagram followers. He uses video clips to record his life in China after he came to China.

    “Do not take it as a model. This is eatable Chinese steam bun, which is made in a special way. You should put prepared flour into this model named Kehua, soon we can make all types of steam bun.” Felipe’s video is humorous. He said the follower of his personal Instagram page increased sharply after he live broadcasted his China trip, now there are thousands of followers who watch his live videos.

    Although just learning Chinese for 2 years, Finance major John Klumpp acts like a China Hand. He does not only speak fluent Chinese, but also has keen interest in Chinese tea culture.

    “As a finance major student, I wish I can do Sino-US trade work in Qingdao through my efforts. I love the city so much,” Klumpp said.

    “I hope to increase the opportunity of cultural exchange to boost mutual understanding between China and US. I also hope to let US students experience beautiful China, and bring beauty of Qingdao and China back to their countries with their own voice,” SFU Chinese major professor Sheppard said, he hopes in the future more exchanges will happen. (Ren Xiaomeng) [Photo I: Tai Chi master taught US college students fist. Photo II: US students made steam bun with Kehua for the 1st time.] By Ren Xiaomeng Qingdao: Licunhe village has plant doctor

    The Qingdao Licang District Landscaping General Company has a care WeChat group. On 27th June, maintenance manager released a piece of news that Oil Drill of trees in a region caused by insects was effectively curbed. Ding Haiyan returned from Licunhe village after treatment noticed the news for the 1st time in the group. Ding is a postgraduate student from Qingdao University of Agriculture (QAU) and became a plant maintenance officer in Licang District in 2014. During the past 2-3 years, Ding devoted her time to finding and shooting insects in riversides of Licunhe, or bringing back plastic box with insects inside to monitor them. Each month she sends pre-alarm insect attack to landscapers. Colleagues call her as Personal Doctor for Plant.

    How does the special doctor do her work? The device actually is simple: a mini microscope with photo function, a mobile phone and PC. Ding also has Tech Assistance, who is QUA professor Zhao Honghai. “Knowing growth rules of insects is helpful in caring about plants. Nymphal stage is the best time for prevention. If insect form body shell, pesticide will not be so effective…just like treating of patients, early prevention and treatment can save cost and labour.” Ding said. (Zhang Hua) [Personal Doctor for Plants Ding Haiyan.]