Participants from the "Global Influencers Appreciate the Wisdom of Confucius" media tour pose for a group photo at Confucius Temple on Sept 28. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of expats participating in the "Global Influencers Appreciate the Wisdom of Confucius" media tour visited the Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28, gaining valuable insights into the life and philosophy of Confucius.

"The visit gave me a real sense of connection to Confucius and the lasting impact of his ideas," reflected Sherif Abbas Abdelsamie, a student from the University of International Business and Economics. "I think his wisdom can guide us toward living more meaningful and harmonious lives."

Aleksandra Antonenko, a vlogger from Russia, echoed Abdelsamie's sentiments. "We can try to imagine what life was like back then, almost 3,000 years ago and even earlier," she said, emphasizing the ancient roots of Chinese culture. She also expressed her belief that Confucius is not just relevant to China but to the world as a whole.

The tour invites social media influencers from countries including the United States, Egypt, Italy, Russia, and Morocco to explore various sites in Qufu related to Confucius and learn more about the ancient philosopher's legacy.

The Confucius Temple in Qufu, along with the Confucius Cemetery and the Kong Family Mansion, were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.

Kong Fuzi, or Confucius, was a renowned Chinese philosopher who lived from 551 to 479 BC during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and founded a school of thought that influenced later generations. He was also the first Chinese person to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life.