Summit Together: Difon Team Forges Bonds on Journey to Mount Jiuhua

From October 19 to 22, the entire Difon team embarked on a journey to the revered Mount Jiuhua. To ensure uninterrupted business operations while allowing for a meaningful team experience, Difon organized its employees in two separate groups for a three-day retreat titled under the theme “Unite Minds, Gather Strength, Summit Together.” More than just a trip, the experience wove together outdoor challenge, cultural discovery, and genuine conversation—strengthening the bonds that turn colleagues into a team.

The Ascent: More Than a Hike

Day one presented a classic Jiuhua trail, tackled by staff mixed into cross-departmental groups. Over four hours, collaboration became instinctive: natural leaders scouted the path, stronger shoulders carried extra weight, and seasoned hikers offered quiet tips. For Li Ming from Marketing, the climb offered a vivid lesson. “On that steep section where I almost stopped,” he shared at the summit, “it was an R&D colleague’s firm hand and steady encouragement that pushed me forward. That’s when ‘team’ stopped being a word and started feeling real.”

Evening Voices: Reflection and Rhythm

As daylight faded, the group gathered for an evening designed to connect beyond job titles. The “Climber’s Talk” session invited openness, and twelve colleagues from across the company rose to share. They linked the day’s physical journey to deeper themes of trust, persistence, and mutual support. “Climbing mirrors leadership,” noted Wang Fangling. “You need a clear destination, but what truly matters is who’s beside you. Today proved again: the best views are earned together.”

Then, energy shifted. The “Starlight over Jiuhua” singing contest took over, filling the room with laughter, improvised performances, and roaring applause. Hidden talents emerged, and in that unscripted joy, the vibrant, multifaceted spirit of Difon’s culture shone through.

Heritage and Insight

The second day brought a quieter pace, with visits to Huacheng Temple and Roushen Hall. Guided tours unpacked the mountain’s spiritual heritage, prompting reflections on aspiration, practice, and commitment. For new hire Zhang Wei, the connection was immediate. “This helped me find my place in the team,” he said. “It also showed me how lasting values—dedication, cultivation, contribution—are what anchor both great traditions and great companies.”

General Manager Yin Fengzhu closed the retreat by drawing the threads together. “Here at Jiuhua,” he said, “we measured a mountain with our steps and our team’s strength with our hearts. Let’s carry this same solidarity back to work—let it drive us forward.”

The impact was tangible. In follow-up surveys, every participant reported a stronger sense of belonging, with most noting clearer and more open communication across departments. The Administration Department has taken note, pledging to build on this momentum with fresh, innovative formats that keep team spirit alive and fuel Difon’s continued growth.