As part of the fourth Jinan reading festival, media representatives recently visited the Meihouwang charity library in Shunjing community, Daming Lake subdistrict, Lixia district, Jinan.

Launched in August 2024, the community library has become a popular reading hub and a window for international cultural exchange. Its collection features a wide range of books, including the Chinese classic Journey to the West.

During the event, Chinese and international participants were invited to create shadow puppets of characters from Journey to the West and perform iconic scenes from the story. A foreign student said that the library's activities helped her gain a better understanding of Chinese culture and integrate into local life.

Using reading as a bridge, Shunjing community blends tradition and modernity while connecting China with the world. The community has welcomed visitors from 48 countries, including the United States, Canada, Zimbabwe, and Germany, hosting over 200 international cultural exchange events and attracting more than 1,300 foreign participants to experience traditional Chinese culture.

The Meihouwang charity library in Shunjing community, Daming Lake subdistrict, Lixia district, Jinan. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Chinese and international participants show shadow puppets of characters from Journey to the West at the library. [Photo/WeChat account: dmhjdsjsq]