At the 2025 Confucius Cultural Festival in Qufu, Shandong Province, a groundbreaking fusion of philosophy and artificial intelligence captivated global attendees. Scholars, students, and cultural enthusiasts engaged with 'AI Confucius,' an interactive multilingual project developed by CGTN that channels the ancient sage's teachings through cutting-edge technology.
The digital platform fielded questions in eight languages on topics ranging from ethical governance to personal relationships, offering responses grounded in Confucian classics like the Analects. A Malaysian student asked about balancing tradition with modern education, receiving guidance on 'adapting rituals to contemporary contexts.' Meanwhile, a European diplomat explored applications of Confucian harmony principles in international relations.
Organizers emphasized the project's role in making philosophical discourse more accessible. 'This isn't about replacing human wisdom,' explained Shandong University professor Li Wei. 'It's a bridge connecting 2,500-year-old ideas to today's digital natives.'
The initiative reflects China's growing efforts to showcase cultural heritage through technological innovation, with similar AI projects being developed for other historical figures. As sunset fell on Qufu's Temple of Confucius, visitors left contemplating how ancient virtues might navigate modern challenges – one algorithm at a time.
