In today's bustling urban life, everyone faces a fast-paced work environment and immense pressure. Timely relaxation, fresh air, and stress relief are crucial for achieving a better work state.
In July 2024, POE with the theme of "Savoring Chaozhou Culture, Strolling on Nan'ao Island, and Enjoying a Slow Life," meticulously planned a meaningful team-building trip for its employees. Led by the company's leadership, we embarked on an exciting journey to Chaozhou, a National Historic and Cultural City, to explore the wonders of Chaozhou's intangible cultural heritage.
Chaozhou Ancient City, also called the "Little Zijin City," is one of the first two cities in Guangdong Province to receive the title of "National Historic and Cultural City." It is an outstanding tourist city in China, once famous for "Ten Prime Ministers' Voices," and known as the "Coastal Zoulu" and "Famous State of Linghai."
On the first day, we arrived in Chaozhou with great excitement. Our considerate leaders took us directly to a highly acclaimed restaurant to taste the authentic Chaozhou beef hotpot, giving us an early taste of the local delicacies.
After lunch and a short rest, we took a bus to the Song Dynasty Chaozhou Ancient City. We toured the ancient city wall built in the Ming Dynasty, the main gateway to Chaozhou Prefecture, Guangji Gate Tower, and viewed Xiangzi Bridge, one of China's four ancient bridges, known for its unique style of "Eighteen Shuttle Boats and Twenty-four Piers." Renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng praised it as "the world's earliest open-close bridge." A Chaozhou folk song sings, "Chaozhou Xiang Bridge is romantic, eighteen shuttle boats and twenty-four piers, twenty-four pavilions with twenty-four styles, two bronze oxen and one slip," depicting the historical features of Xiangzi Bridge.
We strolled through Jiadi Lane, observed the 1.5 billion RMB rebuilt Ming and Qing Dynasty Archway Street, and experienced the profound heritage of Chaozhou, a city known for producing talents.
We watched a grand performance of Chao Opera, an intangible cultural heritage, in a century-old single-family house. We enjoyed making Chaozhou Kung Fu tea, eating snacks, and watching the opera in a nostalgic and elegant environment, savoring the slow life and Chaozhou culture. Chao Opera, sung in the Chaozhou dialect, is one of Guangdong's three major local dramas, formed in the Ming Dynasty with over four hundred years of history. It has more than four thousand traditional and modern plays, over two thousand singing tunes, percussion pieces, and string accompaniments. Chao Opera is a shared spiritual home for Chao people worldwide and an international cultural treasure.
At dinner, we enjoyed a Chaozhou Cuisine Banquet, immersing ourselves in the delicious food and the joyful atmosphere, experiencing the unique pleasure brought by this culinary culture.
After dinner, the night quietly descended, and the ancient city came alive with colorful lights. Everyone leisurely wandered through the ancient city, selecting souvenirs, unique handicrafts, or local snacks to share with friends and family.
Later, we strolled along the Han River, admiring the enchanting night scenery of the ancient city. At that moment, the city's hustle and bustle and work pressure were left behind, and we fully immersed ourselves in the serene and peaceful atmosphere, enjoying the comfort and ease brought by the slow life.
In addition to the rich activities, the company also prepared thoughtful services for everyone. We stayed in comfortable and pleasant accommodations, with spacious, bright rooms, cozy and elegant decor, and soft, comfortable beds, making us feel at home. Every detail reflected care, allowing us to fully relax and rest after a day's play. Convenient transportation arrangements made our travel easy and smooth. Whether traveling from our accommodation to attractions or between cities, everything was well-organized. Comfortable buses and professional drivers ensured our journey was safe and smooth, free from any transportation worries.
On the second day, after breakfast, we took a bus to Qihang Square Lighthouse, a popular check-in spot on social media. This tranquil and elegant place symbolizes the "start" of our Nan'ao trip. Standing by the Qihang Lighthouse, we could gaze at the Nanao Bridge, admire the vast blue sea, and feel the gentle sea breeze and the soft sound of waves. Everyone took photos to capture these beautiful moments.
For lunch, we enjoyed a Nan'ao Island Seafood Feast, with each dish showcasing the original flavor of Nan'ao Island's seafood, a unique gift from the sea. We sat together, savoring the delicious seafood feast amidst laughter and conversation, satisfying both our taste buds and our hearts.
In the afternoon, we toured the Tropic of Cancer Marker on Nan'ao Island, visited Qing'ao Bay Beach, known as the "Eastern Hawaii," and enjoyed the fun of sun and sand, feeling the embrace of the sea breeze and waves.
This team-building trip not only relaxed us but also deepened our understanding and friendship with colleagues. While exploring Chaozhou's culture, we exchanged ideas, learned from each other, and helped one another, fully enjoying the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Chaozhou. This experience enhanced our team's cohesion, contributing to the company and the team, and providing a valuable opportunity for personal growth and gain.
During this trip, the company hoped everyone would relax and enjoy themselves. It aimed to make this not only a relaxing journey but also an important activity to strengthen team unity, promote personal growth, and enrich the company's cultural connotation. The company hopes that everyone will face future challenges and opportunities with a more enthusiastic spirit and better state. We believe that in future work, we will carry these beautiful memories and positive energy, working together with the company to create even more brilliant achievements!
