A craftsman showcases traditional rubbing techniques at the news conference for Jining's development on Nov 1. [Photo by Li Mingrui/chinanews.com]

Jining, which is regarded as the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius, both great thinkers and educators in ancient China, has made significant achievements in boosting the innovative development of traditional Chinese culture, officials said at a news conference held in early November.

According to Yu Yongsheng, mayor of Jining, the city has led Shandong province in introducing new ways, such as "library + academy" facilities, as well as rural Confucianism lectures, to promote Confucianism.

The Nishan World Center for Confucian Studies was established and has hosted a number of big events, such as the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations and the International Confucius Cultural Festival.

Twenty-three top Confucianism researchers have gathered in Jining and have achieved outstanding academic results, enhancing Jining's global clout in Confucianism research, exchanges, as well as development.

Zhang Tao, director of the city's culture and tourism bureau, added that the city has also organized 48,000 activities on traditional Chinese culture studies, including open classes, as well as summer and winter camps for teenagers, benefiting 2.8 million people.

In addition, Jining has introduced four travel routes and six experiential activities themed on traditional Chinese culture studies. The city receives nearly 100 million visitors annually and has won the bid to host the 2022 Shandong Conference on Tourism Development.

The local government also organized more than 300 domestic and overseas media outlets to cover the city's efforts in promoting the innovative development of traditional Chinese culture. The reports have reached nearly 140 million people in more than 60 countries and regions around the world.