Qufu sparkled under lantern lights as the 2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival kicked off on Saturday, drawing thousands of young people, culture buffs, and savvy travelers to the city of Qufu in east China's Shandong Province, the cradle of Confucius. 🌸
Under the motto 'For a world of shared peace and harmony with benevolence and ancient rituals,' the opening ceremony blended traditional music and dance with modern visual art. Guests also celebrated the 20th UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, which shone a spotlight on global projects empowering communities through education and lifelong learning. 🎓🌍
Lin Wu, secretary of the Communist Party of China Shandong Provincial Committee, highlighted the festival's mission: drive new ideas in global governance, spark peaceful coexistence among nations and cultures, and lay the foundation for a fairer world. Shandong, as a major hub of population, culture, and economy, is both the birthplace of Chinese civilization and Confucian culture, he said, emphasizing the Confucian value of harmony and coexistence. 🤝
With a program spanning cultural exchanges, industrial workshops, and governance innovation forums, Shandong plans to build on its unique strengths to bridge ancient wisdom and modern challenges. Whether you're a traveler hunting Instagrammable spots or a student exploring international trends, the festival offers something for everyone! 📚✈️
From Qufu's historic temples to interactive digital exhibits, the 2025 Confucius Cultural Festival reminds us that age-old rituals can inspire fresh ideas—and that a dash of benevolence, a sprinkle of harmony, and a shared love of learning can light up the world. ✨
Reference(s):
2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival opens in E China
cgtn.com
