A group of 70 Japanese youths take part in a tour to Jining, East China's Shandong province on Aug 19 and 20. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_ccfd1293bad8]

A group of 70 Japanese youths took part in a tour to Jining, East China's Shandong province on Aug 19 and 20, and got to learn about traditional Chinese culture, the wisdom of Confucius and the city's blended culture of fashion and tradition.

During the tour, the group watched a cultural performance at the Nishan Sacred Land, the latest and biggest project in China about Confucianism and traditional culture.

"The performance was very impressive and meaningful. It allowed me to learn more about the life and wisdom of Confucius," said Eguchi Ryo, a university student from Japan's Wakayama prefecture.

At Qufu Normal University, volunteers helped the group experience many traditional cultural events featuring elements such as calligraphy, paper-cutting and traditional costumes.

Nagahara Ryotaro, a group member who can speak fluent Chinese, said he has been interested in Chinese culture since young. He said he was impressed by the culture, the city's beautiful landscape, and the friendliness of the locals.

"I will share this experience with more Japanese students back in my country. I hope more Japanese students will come to Jining for cultural exchanges and tourism," he said.

Mayu Miyaji, director of International Exchange Department at Ashikaga University, said Jining is known as the hometown of Confucius and attracts tourists across China and the world.

"Coming here and seeing the statue of the Confucius in person, I feel that it was in this land rich in natural resources that Confucian culture was born. Our university's education idea – 'harmony is precious' – came from Confucius and shows that Confucius' wisdom has spread to the whole world," he said.