To strengthen team cohesion and enrich the cultural life of its members, the Center for Hydride Energy Chemistry organized all staff and students for a two-day, one-night team building trip to the Jiushui Gorge (Nine-Water Gorge) Scenic Area in Dandong, Liaoning Province, from August 29 to 30. Surrounded by crystal-clear, spring-quality mountain waters, all participants released stress amid rushing rapids, drew inspiration from mountain peaks, and bonded under the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience filled with passion and laughter.
Day 1 – Daytime: Conquering the Rapids – A 'Spring-Water' Adventure
Upon arrival, the team headed to the Jiushui Gorge Scenic Area, located in Hushan Town, Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Dandong. The scenic area is just 40 kilometers from downtown Dandong, bordered by the Yalu River Scenic Boulevard to the east and connecting to National Highway 201 to the west, with a total area of approximately 2.5 square kilometers. The gorge gets its name from the nine major bends formed by the winding river channel through the valley. The riverbed is mostly rocky, with huge boulders lining the banks, a classic river-valley landform.
The highlight of the day was the white-water rafting experience, which immediately ignited everyone's enthusiasm. The rafting section stretches 12.7 kilometers, with a total drop of 78 meters and a maximum single drop of 9 meters, taking about two hours to complete. Along the route, there are both thrilling, adrenaline-pumping sections and tranquil, serene stretches, featuring over 20 natural and cultural attractions including 'Golden Water Bay' and 'Heavenly River Emerald Waterfall'. In groups of two to four, all participants rafted downstream, screaming with excitement through treacherous rapids and engaging in lively water fights with water guns and scoops in calmer stretches. Laughter echoed through the canyon as the stress of work dissipated with the splashing waves, bringing everyone closer together through shared thrills.
Day 1 – Night: Bonfire Glow and Ice-Breaking Warmth
After the daytime excitement, as night fell, a well-planned ice-breaking team activity kicked off at the campsite. Guided by several facilitators, all participants took part in fun group divisions, interactive games, and collaborative team challenges that broke down departmental barriers and warmed up the atmosphere. Laughter filled the air as the activities brought everyone together. Soon after, a blazing bonfire was lit in the darkness, its dancing flames instantly igniting everyone's spirits. Holding hands in a large circle, employees sang and danced to upbeat music, staff and students who are usually serious at work now showing their lively, spontaneous sides. Beneath the starry sky, with firelight reflecting on smiling faces, everyone shared stories from the day's rafting adventures and chatted about work and life. The warm, harmonious ambiance deepened mutual understanding and trust, and team cohesion quietly reached a new high in that memorable night.
Day 2: Summiting Lotus Peak – A View from the Top
The next morning, after a good night's rest, the team set out to conquer Lotus Peak (Lianhua Feng) within the scenic area. During the hike, all participants traversed lush primeval forests, taking in the rich flora and fauna of the Yalu River basin, which is home to over 1,000 species and experiencing the wonders of nature in this natural oxygen bar. Facing steep mountain trails, participants supported and encouraged each other along the way, fully demonstrating a spirit of perseverance and solidarity. Upon reaching the summit of Lotus Peak, they were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of rolling mountains and meandering rivers. Everyone took photos together to commemorate this moment of personal achievement and the stunning scenery.
This two-day, one-night team building trip to Dandong Jiushui Gorge not only allowed participants to relax and recharge in a beautiful natural setting but also significantly enhanced team chemistry and cohesion through multiple shared experiences, navigating rapids together, bonding around a bonfire, and conquering a mountain as one. Participants have expressed that they will channel this renewed energy and enthusiasm into their future work, striving together for even greater accomplishments. (Text: Khai Chen Tan; Images: Staff and Students from Center for Hydride Energy Chemistry)
