The main event for the "4.18 International Day for Monuments and Sites", hosted by Shandong province, was held in Qufu on April 17.

The event focused on the theme of "Cultural Heritage in Transition" and planned a series of activities such as photo exhibitions, special exhibitions, on-site visits to cultural relics protection projects, and expert lectures, which aroused enthusiasm for protecting cultural heritages among the public.

In the morning of the event, the opening ceremony began with the recitation of the Analects of Confucius by young people and a performance of traditional Ya music followed by a video, which showcased cultural relics protection projects such as the research-based protection project for the painted sculptures of the three Confucius sites.

A group of young people read the Analects of Confucius aloud in Qufu on April 17. [Photo/WeChat account: jnwhlyj]

The Shandong Provincial Association for the Protection of Monuments and Sites also held a council meeting, followed by a lecture on the theme of "Cultural Heritage in Transition."

In November 1983, the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) General Conference called on member states to advocate and implement the "4.18 International Day for Monuments and Sites". Since 2001, the International Council on Monuments and Sites has designated a theme for April 18 each year, and member states can choose their own content and forms of activities based on the theme. This year is also the first time that Shandong province has hosted the main event.