The 2025 Shandong Moral Exemplars Tribute Event took place in Longkou, Yantai on Jan 6, recognizing 13 moral exemplars from across the province. 

Among them were electricians, fishermen, and barbers, most of them just ordinary and humble countryfolk.

Xu Jun, who launched a volunteer psychological counseling team for orphans in 2018, led over 8,000 volunteers a distance of over 16 million kilometers to help more than 5,000 orphans.

Captain Liu Shiyu from Qingdao rescued 17 endangered crew members twice, earning the title of China's "Most Beautiful Maritime Search and Rescue Worker". Despite his heroic acts, he modestly refrained from elaborating on his deeds when taking the stage.

Wang Jiren, leader of the Longkou Jiaolong Public Welfare Rescue Team, has been engaged in this work for over a decade. "If everyone does just a little bit of good, society will become better and better," said Yuan Huali, one of the team members, when expressing the team's collective sentiment.

A person who watched the event live said they were greatly inspired. "This event allows us to learn the deeds and feel the spirit of moral exemplars, showcasing the noble qualities of the people of Shandong," he said.