"Though Shandong enjoys abundant cultural and historical resources, it has not fully utilized its resources and converted them into development advantages. We need to change the status and make full use of rich regional cultural resources."

Kong added that Shandong should fuel the development of cultural innovation industry and strengthen cultural exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions.

Li Yeping, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman of Shandong Writers' Association, gives interview to a media outlet. [Photo/iqilu.com]

"Districts and counties in Shandong need to develop a regional cultural industry with their own features and fully utilize their local cultural resources."

Yang Zhaoming, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and dean of the Confucius Institute, gives interview to a media outlet. [Photo/iqilu.com]

"Confucius Institutes around the globe can serve as cultural exchange platforms which can be leveraged to promote communication and cooperation, as well as to push Qilu culture across the globe."