Shandong province has invested 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) to set up a holiday resort at the birthplace of Confucius, which includes the world's tallest statue of the legendary teacher, according to authorities on April 11.

The resort, themed "Culture and Sage-cultivation", is currently being built at Mountain Ni cultural tourism area, 25 kilometers southeast of Qufu city. The first phase of the resort is set to cover an area of 1,977,000 square meters.

Since construction began in May 2012, the first phase is almost complete. It includes the world's tallest Confucius statue, the sealing of the main hall and the Nishan Academic Hotel, all open to the public.

Upon opening, the resort is expected to have an annual capacity of 2,500,000 people, and provide visitors with a place where they can both experience Confucian culture and enjoy a relaxing holiday. In the long term, the resort is expected to expand to accommodate up to 4,000,000 people.

The second and third phase will include more cultural facilities such as academies, the global Confucius institute alliance base and the Mountain Ni international art center.

Shandong province has invested 10 billion yuan ($1.5 billion) to set up a holiday resort at the birthplace of Confucius. [Photo/sdwht.gov.cn]