People learn about traditional weaving procedures at the Confucius Museum. [Photo provided to CHINA DAILY]

Engaging activities

Shandong has played a leading role in promoting Confucian culture, which is valued as an important aspect of the excellence of Chinese traditional culture.

During the Confucius Cultural Festival, the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism launched more than 150 activities including cultural performances, exhibitions and tourism projects, with most of them tailored to young people from home and abroad.

One of the activities saw 176 students hailing from 46 different countries and regions converge on Qufu to immerse themselves in the teachings of Confucius and participate in traditional Chinese cultural activities, such as tea-making.

"This event made me deeply realize that cultural diversity is the world's wealth, and cultural exchanges are a crucial pathway to achieving world peace and progress," said Cheng Shaojun, a student from North Minzu University in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

"Against the backdrop of globalization, the ideals of love and harmony advocated by Confucius still hold practical significance, offering valuable wisdom to tackle the complex issues of today's world," he said.