Quzhou vitalizes Confucian heritage with modern twist

Known as the "Home of Southern Confucianism", Quzhou in East China's Zhejiang province is the second largest hub for descendants of Confucius. This year, which marks the 2,575th anniversary of Confucius' birth, the city is celebrating its heritage with a mix of traditional rituals and modern cultural events.

Visitors immerse themselves in the "Confucius Code" digital art exhibition. [Photo/Tide News]

A standout is the "Confucius Code" immersive digital art exhibition at the Quzhou Museum, which blends ancient Chinese cultural elements with cutting-edge technology. The exhibition brings to life Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) paintings, bronze mirror patterns, traditional tiles, and famous sayings from The Analects and The Book of Songs through advanced 3D, digital imagery, and light-shadow sculpture, offering visitors a fresh, interactive experience of Confucian thought.

On Sept 28, new local legislation was introduced to further preserve and promote Southern Confucian culture. Quzhou is also touring the musical Southern Confucius, which tells Confucian stories in a format accessible to modern audiences nationwide.

By blending tradition with innovation, Quzhou ensures that Confucius' teachings remain relevant, keeping his rich cultural legacy alive.