The Confucius Temple in Qufu, East China's Shandong province, played host to a group of international journalists and influencers on Monday as part of the "A Date with China 2024 – Meet Shandong" international media tour. The group had the opportunity to delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this ancient seat of learning.

Their visit began with the captivating gate opening performance, followed by witnessing the solemn Confucius memorial ceremony and learning to perform theyiwu, a dance form used in sacrificial rites in ancient China.

Confucius (551-479 BC) was the first Chinese person to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life. His disciples collected many of his sayings and quotations and compiled them into a book known in English as theAnalects, which continues to have deep influence over Chinese culture and society.

Every September 28 marks the grand sacrificial rite, a celebration of the birthday of Confucius, at the Confucius Temple in Qufu, his hometown. In 2006, the Sacrificial Rite in the Confucius Temple was recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.