From Sept 26 to 28, more than 50 diplomatic envoys from 33 embassies and consulates in China gathered in Jining, Shandong province to explore the traditional culture of Shandong and talk about cooperation and deepening friendship.

The event, entitled "Diplomatic envoys experiencing Shandong", was held during the 2022 China (Qufu) International Confucius Cultural Festival and the 8th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius.

Diplomatic envoys try to disassemble the "Lu Ban Lock", a Chinese puzzle featuring mortise and tenon joints, during a cultural trip in Qufu. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

During their stay, the diplomatic envoys attended many activities such as the opening ceremony of the Nishan forum, the Nishan International Mayors' Dialogue, the Seminar on the Dialogue between Confucianism and Tolstoy's Philosophy, and the Dialogue between Chinese and Greek Classical Civilizations.

They visited many iconic places, including the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion, the Confucius Museum, and the Nishan Sacred Land, to discover more of the life and role of Confucius and to experience the Confucian culture.

They also explored the unique rural culture and traditional Chinese medicine culture at Longwan Lake Art Town and Luyuan New Village.

The cultural tour displayed Shandong's long history, brilliant cultural deposits and modern development strength to the world from an all-round and multi-angled perspective, promoted Shandong's rural vitalization experience, and helped set up a good image of a strong modern province in the new era, said Shandong officials.

Diplomatic envoys pose for a group photo while visiting the Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]