Explore the timeless charm of a century-old manor and glide across the shimmering waters of Taixu Lake.

— Yantai Jin’ao Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. Organizes a Holiday Outing for Its Female Employees

On International Women’s Day—March 8—the United Nations observes the “United Nations Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.” On this special occasion, our company has thoughtfully organized a uniquely meaningful cultural excursion, designed to help our female employees momentarily step away from the hustle and pressure of the workplace, immerse themselves in the embrace of history and nature, savor the allure of culture, and rejuvenate both body and mind. At the same time, the event aims to strengthen team cohesion and unity, underscoring the company’s deep care and respect for its female employees and recognizing the brilliance and invaluable contributions they bring to both their professional and personal lives.

I. The Mou Family Manor—A Historical Classroom Spanning a Century

We arrived at the Mou Family Manor, where the antique, imposing gates seemed to serve as a portal through time and space, ushering in a cultural exploration that spans a century. The manor’s well-deserved reputation as the “Little Forbidden City of the Folk” was fully vindicated in that moment: its grand architectural complex is beautifully arranged, dignified and solemn, radiating an unmistakable charm. As a group, we posed for a memorable photograph at the entrance, capturing the joyful beginning of our journey.

Led by our guide, we ventured deep into the estate to uncover the secrets behind its architecture. The estate’s “three peculiarities”—the chimney standing outside the main wall, the through-door aligned in a straight line, and the ubiquitous underground passageways—have captured everyone’s attention. These unique design features are by no means mere novelties; rather, they embody the wisdom and life philosophy of our ancestors. The chimney set apart from the main wall not only makes efficient use of space but also ingeniously addresses both indoor heating and ventilation; the through-door aligned in a straight line enhances the openness of the entire compound, facilitating easy movement among family members and promoting air circulation; and the underground passageways ensure the family’s safety and privacy. We cannot help but marvel: these seemingly unusual designs are, in fact, the fruit of our forebears’ ability to adapt to local conditions and their ingenious creativity—a vivid testament to the wisdom of ancient architectural art.

As we slowly made our way along the paved stone path, we arrived at the display area for the “Family Instructions of Tishu Studio” and before the former residence of Mou Molin. Each of these family precepts is a gem of wisdom, every sentence a profound admonition, conveying the timeless insight and strength of “cultivating oneself and harmonizing one’s family.” Inside Mou Molin’s former residence, the exhibits and spatial arrangement vividly illustrate the rise and fall of this family as well as its deep cultural heritage. Here, we came to appreciate the noble tradition of upholding family values through diligent farming and scholarly study, and to truly understand the arduous yet magnificent task of a family steadfastly preserving and passing down its legacy through the ages.

II. Tai Xu Palace—A Poetic Retreat Amidst Lake and Mountain Scenery

A boat tour of Taixu Palace is undoubtedly the highlight of this journey. As we step aboard the ornate pleasure barge and it gently glides away from the shore, the shimmering lake surface unfolds like a mirror, reflecting the deep blue sky and the distant Taixu Palace complex with its dark-tiled roofs and white walls. A gentle breeze brushes past, bringing with it a refreshing coolness; in that moment, it feels as though one has been transported into a slowly unfurling landscape painting, where all worries and fatigue are washed away by the serene beauty of the lake and mountains.

Taixu Palace, as a sacred site of Daoism, embodies a profound cultural heritage and rich historical memory. Through the guide’s insightful explanation, we gained a deep understanding of Qiu Chuji’s life and achievements, as well as the intrinsic meaning of Daoist culture. From his itinerant travels across the land, spreading the Dao and teaching disciples, to his outstanding contributions to the development of local culture, each story is deeply moving and inspires awe and respect for this great Daoist master. At the same time, the architecture within Taixu Palace is replete with symbolic significance: buildings such as the Sanqing Hall and the Yuhuang Pavilion, with their distinctive architectural style and exquisite ornamentation, showcase the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans and their reverent devotion to Daoist culture.

III. A Special Moment: Paying Tribute to “Her Power”

During a special moment of the event, Mr. Wu Jiaqun, General Manager of the company, delivered a brief yet heartfelt address. He emphasized that, in the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of the company, every woman’s dedication shines like a brilliant star, illuminating the path forward; each and every one of their meticulous efforts deserves to be recognized and cherished. Though concise, his words were imbued with profound appreciation and respect for the company’s female employees, leaving every woman in attendance deeply aware of her own value and significance.

The gift-giving ceremony brought this warmth to a thrilling climax. The company carefully prepared gift boxes for all female employees who had not participated in the event, and each box was proudly presented to the group. As the gifts were handed one by one to those who had missed out, the look of surprise and heartfelt emotion on their faces became the most touching moment of the occasion—a powerful testament to the company’s care and best wishes for every female employee, ensuring that they, too, felt valued and cherished on this special day.

Employees who took part in the event shared their profound impressions: “Strolling through the Mou Family Manor felt like stepping through time and space, allowing us to personally experience the hardships and wisdom of women in managing a household. And as we glided across the waters of Taixu Palace, the gentle breeze caressing our faces and our communion with nature brought about a deep sense of relaxation and joy. This activity not only allowed me to appreciate the charm of traditional culture but also to feel the strength and warmth of teamwork, making me more confident and resolute in my work.”

Employees who did not attend the event also shared their thoughts: “Although I was unable to be there in person for various reasons, the company’s thoughtful gifts and the live virtual connection allowed me to feel as if I were right there on this cultural journey. Seeing everyone laughing in the estate and boating on the lake, immersed in the rich traditions of Chinese culture, filled me with genuine joy. This festival has truly let me experience the warmth of our team, and I look forward to joining you again next time to create even more wonderful memories together.”

The profound value of corporate care extends far beyond providing employees with a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional growth; it lies in our holistic attention to their emotional well-being and personal values. By thoughtfully presenting holiday gifts to every female employee—presented personally by General Manager Wu Jiaqun—our company conveys a management philosophy that honors every individual’s contributions, enabling employees to truly feel like valued members of the corporate family. This warm, caring approach not only strengthens employees’ sense of belonging and loyalty but also ignites their passion and creativity, motivating them to take a more proactive role in advancing the organization’s goals and jointly building a brighter future.

“As spring water first springs forth and spring forests begin to flourish, may every woman, nurtured by history and nature, forever cherish her passions and keep moving forward. — A tribute to the most beautiful ‘she power.’”