The 2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival will open in Qufu, Shandong Province, on September 27-28, marking 2,576 years since the birth of the influential philosopher. This year's event highlights unexpected cultural synergies, as Armenian youth discover parallels between Confucian teachings and their own traditions.
At Ningbo University, Armenian student Arina draws connections between her homeland's proverb – 'Every person is the blacksmith of their own house' – and Confucius' emphasis on self-cultivation as the foundation for societal harmony. 'Both philosophies recognize that personal growth and family unity create stable communities,' she explains, describing her journey of cross-cultural discovery.
Academic observers note growing interest in Confucian thought among international youth, particularly its universal values of ethical governance and social responsibility. The festival's organizers plan to showcase such intercultural dialogues through academic forums and interactive exhibits, reinforcing China's role as a bridge for global philosophical exchange.
