At Dajinkou Township Central Primary School in Tai'an, nestled within the Taishan Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark, learning goes beyond textbooks. For eight years, the school has turned the mountain into its classroom — where students study rocks, fossils, and landscapes firsthand.

During a recent visit, two UNESCO experts watched as children collected rock specimens, measured ancient footprints, and proudly explained their findings. "Previously, everything felt distant — now I can touch the mountain and feel it speak to me," one student said.

The school's transformation began when teachers realized students lacked knowledge of the mountain at their doorstep. Since then, outdoor exploration has become routine. Through observation and hands-on discovery, children have grown from passive listeners into curious young scientists.

Inside the campus, a natural classroom displays specimens collected by students. Poetry walls feature verses from classical Chinese literature. Hand-painted murals depict Taishan Mountain's landforms and cultural heritage — blending art, history, and nature.

As part of a "Taishan Mountain guardians" volunteer program, students also help monitor ancient trees and clean up trails, turning love for their homeland into action.

"This education is not about memorizing geological ages, but rather about letting the spirit of the mountain become part of their lives," said principal Zhang Xin.

The visiting experts were deeply moved, praising the school for transforming a natural heritage site into a lively, sustainable educational model — a beautiful example of how a community can raise its children with deep roots in nature while cultivating in them a strong appreciation of culture.

This village school, nestled in the heart of the Taishan Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark, turns mountains into classrooms, where students study rocks, fossils, and landscapes firsthand. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]