Published on
September 25, 2025
Shandong, China’s cultural and historical core, will host the 2025 International Confucius Cultural Festival in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius. The festival on September 27 and 28, 2025, will promote Confucian philosophy, Chinese cultural heritage, and tourism in one of the most symbolic regions of China. This occasion will further enhance the cultural tourism appeal of Shandong and provide an exclusive experience for foreign tourists to delve into the philosophy of Confucius and discover the depth of Chinese culture.
Promoting Shandong’s Rich Cultural Heritage to Global Tourists
The 2025 Confucius Cultural Festival is designed to attract international tourists by highlighting Shandong’s unique cultural assets, including its 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, traditional Confucian practices, and vibrant cultural celebrations. The festival will feature key events such as the UNESCO Confucius Prize awards ceremony, a memorial ceremony for Confucius, and a tourism-themed “study tour with Confucius” experience, offering visitors the opportunity to engage directly with Confucian teachings.
Tourism-focused events like this position Shandong as a destination for those seeking a deeper connection to Chinese philosophy, history, and culture. For tourists, it will offer an immersive cultural experience, from exploring ancient Confucian temples and monuments to experiencing traditional arts, local cuisine, and authentic cultural performances.
Leveraging Confucian Philosophy for Cultural Tourism Experiences
The festival’s theme, “A Vision of Confucius: A World in Harmonious Coexistence,” emphasizes the importance of peace, balance, and harmony in both society and nature—principles that are central to Confucian philosophy. These values will be at the forefront of tourism activities, inspiring tourists to learn about Confucianism’s role in shaping the Chinese worldview and its relevance in today’s global society. The immersive tourism experience will offer visitors a chance to explore the cultural and philosophical depths of Confucius’ teachings while enjoying Shandong’s scenic beauty.
The festival will also highlight Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) in Shandong, where visitors can enjoy both tourist attractions and local culture, offering a well-rounded experience of China’s ancient traditions and modern-day creativity.
Sustainable and Educational Tourism in Shandong
The Tourism Authority of Shandong has made significant strides in developing sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the Confucius Cultural Festival promotes eco-friendly tourism initiatives. In addition to cultural tourism, Shandong has emphasized educational tourism—encouraging students and scholars to participate in the festival’s activities, which include lectures, workshops, and guided tours that explore the philosophical and historical significance of Confucianism.
As part of the sustainable tourism initiatives, the region will also promote green tourism, with eco-friendly transport options and sustainable hospitality services provided to visitors. This commitment to responsible tourism ensures that Shandong not only attracts cultural tourists but also aligns with global eco-tourism trends.
Cultural Diplomacy: Shandong’s Role in Global Tourism
The 2025 Confucius Cultural Festival serves as a key moment in Shandong’s cultural diplomacy efforts. Shandong’s involvement in international tourism fairs and cultural exchanges has made it a global ambassador for Confucian heritage. Through the festival, Shandong hopes to attract international media, tourism influencers, and cultural leaders, encouraging them to promote Shandong’s rich heritage and tourism potential worldwide.
The festival will also be a platform for cross-cultural dialogue, where international tourism professionals can connect with Chinese cultural representatives to explore new tourism opportunities and partnerships. The event aligns with China’s broader goals to expand its global tourism footprint while sharing its cultural wealth with the world.
A Collaborative Effort to Boost Tourism and Cultural Exchange
The Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, in collaboration with China Daily, will host an event called “Global Influencers Explore Confucius’ Hometown in Shandong” from September 28 to 30, 2025. During this event, international influencers, bloggers, and cultural media will visit Qufu, Tai’an, and Zibo to experience firsthand the region’s Confucian heritage, scenic landscapes, and traditional cultural practices.
Through these immersive experiences, the festival aims to boost Shandong’s international profile and encourage global tourism. The participation of cultural influencers will amplify Shandong’s tourism message and share the story of Confucius with a broader audience, increasing awareness of Shandong as a must-visit destination for cultural tourism in China.
Economic Benefits: Tourism-Driven Growth for Shandong
The Confucius Cultural Festival is expected to have a significant economic impact on Shandong’s tourism industry. With cultural tourism playing a central role in the event, Shandong’s local economy will benefit from increased tourist spending, particularly in the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in Qufu, Tai’an, and Zibo will see a boost in demand from international visitors and cultural tourists.
Additionally, the event will help create jobs in the tourism sector, particularly in tourism services, cultural institutions, and event management, providing long-term economic opportunities for local communities.
The Road Ahead: Shandong’s Vision for the Future of Cultural Tourism
Shandong will still emphasize cultural tourism as a major pillar of its tourism growth plan. The 2025 Confucius Cultural Festival is only part of the region’s push to become a global powerhouse in cultural tourism. The growth of Confucian heritage tourism, complemented by investment in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism practices, will keep Shandong as a desirable destination for tourists looking for genuine cultural experience and sustainable travel choices.
By pursuing its strategy through alignment with the global sustainability agenda and encouraging cultural exchange, Shandong is well on its way towards becoming one of China’s top and most influential tourism destinations, providing tourists with a rich and meaningful experience of China’s ancient philosophy and contemporary tourism activities.
