The 20th Qi Culture Festival and the eighth Qi Culture and Jixia Studies Summit opened on Sept 24 at the Taigong Botanical Garden in Zibo's Linzi district, East China's Shandong province.
Over a hundred experts, scholars and business people from all over the country attended this cultural event, which was organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Shandong Province and the Zibo municipal government.
Zibo was the capital of the ancient Qi state, which was one of the most powerful states during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC).
The Qi Culture Festival has been held for 20 consecutive years, and organizes many Qi culture-related activities. This includes one centered on the Jixia Academy, which is considered to be the first government-run university in China.
This successful festival has evolved into a famous local cultural brand. This year's festival will last until October, during which a series of cultural events will be held to highlight the unique charm of the Qi culture.
The Eastern Zhou Dynasty Capitals Site World Heritage Application Alliance was established during the event to further accelerate cooperation in the fields of archaeological excavation, relic protection and talent training.
