Confucianism research center established in Confucius' birthplace

A research center on Confucianism was established Sunday in Nishan Mountain in the city of Qufu, the hometown of Confucius in east China's Shandong province.

A ceremony is held to mark the 2,568th birthday of Confucius, in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2017. [File photo/Xinhua]

More than 350 people were present at the opening ceremony, including government officials, Confucianism research representatives from home and abroad and descendants of Confucius.

Supported by China's Ministry of Education, the provincial government of Shandong and some research institutes, the research center will further explore the connotation of Confucianism, guide the research direction of Confucianism and build a key platform for Confucianism research and academic exchange in the world.

Multiple branches will be set up both at home and abroad to work on major research projects, train talents and organize academic activities.

Top Confucianism researchers have been coming to stay and conduct research in China in the 21st century especially after 2010, said Wang Xuedian, executive dean of the Advanced Institute for Confucian Studies of Shandong University.

Confucius (551-479 BC) was an educator and philosopher. He founded the school of Confucianism that deeply influenced later Chinese generations. This year marks the 2,570th anniversary of Confucius' birth.