Sept 28 marks the 2,575th birthday of Confucius. In addition to the main ceremony in Qufu, Shandong, this year's Memorial Ceremony for Confucius will include a sub-venue in Quzhou, Zhejiang — home to Confucius' descendants and a hub of Southern Confucianism.

This historic event symbolizes a significant collaboration between the northern and southern celebratory traditions of Confucius, honoring the enduring legacy of this great philosopher.

The joint Memorial Ceremony for Confucius by Shandong and Zhejiang provinces marks a significant step towards building a culturally strong nation and expanding the influence of Chinese traditional culture.

Both Shandong and Zhejiang have been at the forefront of exploring ways to introduce Chinese traditional culture to the world. Shandong has successfully hosted ten sessions of the Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, which covers a wide range of topics. Zhejiang, on the other hand, organized the 2023 International Forum of Confucianism in Quzhou.

Shandong and Zhejiang have both made unique contributions to the development and utilization of traditional culture. Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu, Jining, Shandong, has emerged as a new cultural landmark, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences, tourism, and leisure activities. It has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Since 2004, Quzhou, Zhejiang, has been hosting an annual international Confucius culture festival, along with various cultural activities, to enhance the city's cultural soft power.

These initiatives by Shandong and Zhejiang demonstrate their commitment to promoting Chinese traditional culture on the global stage. By combining traditional elements with modern interpretations, they are successfully attracting a wider audience and fostering cultural exchange.