The 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival is underway in Qufu City, east China’s Shandong Province, the birthplace of Confucius. With the theme “Conversation with Confucius, mutual learning among civilizations,” this year’s event seeks to explore the modern relevance of Confucian teachings and facilitate cultural exchange on an international scale.
Confucius, born over 2,500 years ago in Qufu, was an influential Chinese philosopher and educator whose teachings emphasized morality, social relationships, and justice. His philosophy, known as Confucianism, has had a profound impact on Chinese culture and East Asian societies, shaping values, behavior, and governance for centuries.
Running from September 27 to October 7, this year’s festival has broad global involvement, with over 370 guests from 36 countries and regions across five continents. For the first time, the event is organized with a main venue in Qufu and a secondary venue in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, both celebrating Confucius and his cultural impact.
The festival’s dual venues symbolize a pioneering approach to honoring Confucius’s legacy, emphasizing the widespread influence of his teachings across China. By bringing together participants from around the globe, the event highlights the universal relevance of Confucian philosophy in fostering dialogue and understanding among civilizations.
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Confucius Cultural Festival bridges tradition and cultural exchange
cgtn.com
