The Southern Confucianism cultural tour organized by the Quzhou Southern Confucianism Cultural Development Center was held from June 17 to 19 in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, according to local media reports.

Envoys from the United States, Italy, Ukraine, India and other countries were invited to explore the cultural charm of the city in the Shuitingmen Historic and Cultural Block, Temple of Southern Confucianism, International Weiqi Cultural Exchange Center, and enjoyed the scenery in Yudong and Wanyao villages in Gouxi township.

Envoys also enjoyed a large-scale performance featuring the Confucian rite and music culture in the Shuitingmen Historic and Cultural Block.

By visiting the Confucianism Museum of China, the envoys gained a better understanding of Confucian thoughts and views, rite and music culture, and the origin story between Southern Confucianism and Qufu, Shandong province.

In the Temple of Southern Confucianism, one of only two Confucian temples in China, a Confucius memorial ceremony was held to show envoys Confucius commemoration rituals.

Envoys from different countries play weiqi at the International Weiqi Cultural Exchange Center. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The city of Quzhou has been dubbed the birthplace of Go (or weiqi) culture. Envoys showed strong interest in the legend of Lanke, which tells the story of woodsman Wang Zhi losing track of time watching the weiqi games of immortals on Lanke Mountain.

It was very happy to experience the culture of Southern Confucianism and weiqi and admire the landscapes of the Chinese countryside, said Professor Krishnamoorthy Sujatha of Kean University. She added that she will share what she has learned from this trip with her students when she returns to campus.