Science School Faculty Takes Cultural and Nature Trip to Raoping

Overview

On May 16, the Science School labor union organized a day trip to Raoping for all faculty and staff, visiting Qinglan Geological Park and Daoyun Building. The event aimed to enrich campus life, strengthen team bonding, and deepen appreciation of Chaoshan culture and natural landscapes.

Qinglan Geological Park: 200-Million-Year Wonders

At 9:40 AM, the group arrived at Qinglan Geological Park — eastern Guangdong’s first national geological park. The park’s main formations date back 200 million years to volcanic activity and post-Quaternary glacial erosion. Crystal-cavity granite, volcanic rock, and riverbed erosion landscapes intertwine to form an 8-kilometer “Strange Mortar Valley.” Thousands of uniquely shaped potholes dot the riverbed and caves, with the granite underground river cave as the highlight — caves within potholes, potholes within caves, with flowing water throughout. Faculty members expanded their horizons and engaged their scientific curiosity among these ancient geological remnants.

Daoyun Building: A 400-Year-Old Bagua Tulou

In the afternoon, the group visited Daoyun Building in Sanrao Town, Raoping County. It is the largest and best-preserved octagonal Bagua earthen building in China, a national protected cultural heritage site built during the Ming Dynasty Wanli period over 400 years ago. The interior layout strictly follows Bagua numerology — a central Tai Chi courtyard, Two Poles wells, 72 rooms, 32 wells, and 112 steps — all multiples of 8. The rigorous Bagua layout, exquisite stone carvings, and unique defensive architectural features offered faculty an immersive experience of Chaoshan’s traditional residential heritage.

Significance

The trip served as both a relaxing getaway and a cultural learning experience, effectively relieving work stress, bringing colleagues closer together, and strengthening team cohesion and belonging.

Source: STU School of Science WeChat Account (View original)