#China #Quzhou #cultural festival #Confucius

A Grand Celebration of Confucius in Quzhou

On September 28, 2025, Quzhou, located in eastern China's Zhejiang province, hosted a magnificent ceremony to celebrate the 2,576th anniversary of the birth of Confucius, the venerated ancient Chinese philosopher and educator. This event marked a central feature of the China International Confucius Cultural Festival and the Southern Confucianism Cultural Tourism Season.

Themes and Significance

The ceremony embraced the theme of "Revering the Sage, Honoring the Rites, Paying Tribute Together, Pursuing Harmony for All." This theme highlights the importance of Confucian philosophy in contemporary society and encourages global dialogue on moral values and social harmony. Attendees included esteemed Confucian scholars, cultural representatives, and guests from across the globe, including South Korea, Southeast Asia, and regions of China such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. Over the years, the ceremony has evolved into a significant cultural event, aimed not only at celebrating Confucius but also at promoting the values he espoused.

Institutional Recognition and Development

Since 2004, Quzhou has annually hosted this celebratory event on the same date, and in 2011, it was added to China's national intangible cultural heritage list. This recognition emphasizes the ceremony's role in the creative preservation and innovative promotion of Southern Confucian culture. The event has garnered widespread support from various institutions, including the International Confucian Association and the China Confucius Foundation, highlighting its significance in bridging cultural exchanges both domestically and internationally.

In 2024, for the first time, Quzhou's memorial ceremony was incorporated into the broader framework of the China International Confucius Cultural Festival. This significant milestone was made possible through collaboration with the Shandong provincial government, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO. As a result, the Quzhou ceremony now stands alongside the traditional celebrations held in Qufu, Shandong Province, both taking place on the same day, thus elevating its international profile even further.

Conclusion

The celebration in Quzhou is not just an event; it is a vibrant reflection of Confucian ideals in today's world. It fosters a sense of unity among diverse groups and promotes a shared commitment to building a harmonious society based on respect and understanding. As Confucius once said, "Isn't it a joy to have friends come from afar?" This event truly embodies the spirit of inclusivity and the enduring relevance of his teachings in contemporary society. The legacy of Confucius continues to inspire generations, and ceremonies like the one held in Quzhou serve as important reminders of the timeless values he advocated.

With such cultural vitality and significance, Quzhou’s event exemplifies how ancient wisdom can resonate in modern times, guiding social interactions and fostering peace and respect among communities worldwide.