The 2026 Quzhou Confucianism Forum is held in Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: quzhoufb]

The 2026 Quzhou Confucianism Forum opened on Sept 6 in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, with more than 180 scholars and representatives from various sectors attending, focusing on the modern significance and global value of Confucian culture.

The forum highlighted Quzhou's efforts to preserve and develop Confucian heritage, including renovating the Family Temple of Confucius, hosting the Southern Confucius Memorial Ceremony with a modern approach to honoring Confucius, issuing China's first local regulation on Confucianism, and launching an academic report on the Southeast Confucianism Corridor.

Beyond preservation, Quzhou has sought to bring Southern Confucian culture to a wider audience through cultural and tourism initiatives. Its musical Nan Kong has been staged 170 times in 54 cities in China and abroad. The city has also articulated a new-era humanistic spirit for Quzhou, advanced the Quzhou Ancient City Cultural Tourism Area, and organized tourism promotion activities linked to Song Dynasty (960-1279) poetry.

One highlight of this year's forum was an AI presentation that used digital technology, where presenters engaged in a dialogue with Confucius and Karl Marx, showcasing contemporary practices and the modern significance of Quzhou's "A Model City of Virtue" brand.

September marks the start of Quzhou's 2026 Southern Confucianism Cultural Tourism Season, which will include a ceremony commemorating Confucius, the 2026 China Poetry Culture Conference, and a range of supporting activities.