The opening ceremony of the 2023 Southern Confucianism International Exchange Week is held in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 18. [Photo/qz123.com]

The Southern Confucianism International Exchange Week, a cultural event that aims to promote excellent traditional Chinese culture represented by Confucianism around the world, was inaugurated at the China Confucian Academy in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, on Nov 18.

The event also seeks to enhance the appeal and influence of Southern Confucianism, which originated in Quzhou, and foster its creative transformation and innovative development.

The event was organized by various institutions, including the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education, School of Government and Public Affairs of the Communication University of China, and Quzhou municipal bureau of culture, radio, television and tourism. It also received support from the Shanghai Confucius Institute Working Alliance and Zhejiang Confucius Institute Teacher Training Center.

Shen Rui, a doctoral student at Peking University from Bangladesh delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Southern Confucianism International Exchange Week. [Photo/qz123.com]

Shen Rui, a doctoral student at Peking University from Bangladesh and a young sinologist, shared his experience visiting Quzhou and exploring its culture, nature and urban landscape.

Zhejiang Normal University, the Zhejiang Confucius Institute Teacher Training Center, and the Chongqing International Chinese Education Alliance also signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Quzhou South Confucius Culture Development Center on cultural exchange and cooperation.

The event will feature a number of exchange activities, and guests will visit a number of cultural and historical sites in Quzhou, such as the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall, Temple of Southern Confucianism, and Shuitingmen Historical and Cultural Block.