Foreign correspondents and social media influencers show their Chinese calligraphy works at the launch ceremony of the "A Date with China 2024: Meet Shandong" international media tour in Qufu of Jining city, East China's Shandong province on June 2, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A group of China-based foreign correspondents and social media influencers visited the Confucius Museum on June 2 in Qufu of Jining city, East China's Shandong province.

The visit was part of the "A Date with China 2024: Meet Shandong" international media tour, co-hosted by the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government and China Daily Website.

Nick Ive, a British editor with China Daily, learns to play zhong (bells) at the Confucius Museum in Qufu of Jining city, East China's Shandong province on June 2, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At the museum, located in the birthplace of Confucius, guests learned about the life and teachings of the renowned Chinese philosopher. They explored the chaotic Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) during which Confucius lived, his profound influence on Chinese civilization and how his teachings have impacted the world.

Guests also enjoyed the performance of yayue, literally "elegant music", which is Chinese court music that first developed in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC). Based on Shi Jing (The Book of Songs) and performed with ancient Chinese instruments such as zhong (bells), qing (chime stones) and guqin (Chinese zither), yayue is an essential part of Confucianism.

Nick Ive poses for a photo in front of a Confucius statue at the Confucius Museum in Qufu of Jining city, East China's Shandong province on June 3, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Everyone in the West knows Confucius as an ancient philosopher but I am not very sure how much they do know about him. All we know is that he was an ancient philosopher," said Nick Ive, a British editor with China Daily.

Ive said the museum tour enabled him to learn more about the sage's teachings, philosophy and unique outlook on life. "This trip got me very interested and I will certainly read more about Confucius," he said. "When someone is that revered, not just in China but particularly in China, there is a reason for that and so I want to look into that a bit more."

Running through June 7, the media tour will take guests to Jining, Weihai and Qingdao, exploring Shandong's rich cultural and historical heritage, high-technology industries, and efforts in conserving and utilizing marine resources.