A total of 26 experts and scholars from Argentina, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States embarked on a three-day journey in Shandong province for a key culture event titled World Conference of Classics — Exploring China, Impressions of Qilu, tracing ancient civilizations, envisioning future development, and writing a new chapter together in learning about each other's civilization.

A group of 26 classical studies experts, guests of the World Conference of Classics, begins a three-day journey through Shandong province on Nov 3. [Photo/Shandian News]

Participants strolled along the shores of Daming Lake in Jinan city and visited sites such as Shandong University, Chengziya Site Museum, the Kong Family Mansion, the Confucian Temple in Qufu, and the Confucius Museum. Through this exploration, they traversed the past and present, brought their ideas together, and saw the natural beauty, history, and culture of Shandong.

Classical studies experts from around the world learn about history and culture at sites like Daming Lake, Shandong University, Shandong Museum, and the Chengziya Site Museum. [Photo/Shandian News]

From ancient cultural sites to modern urban landscape, Shandong has witnessed the glorious history of Chinese civilization. As an important birthplace of Chinese civilization and Confucian culture, the province has not only nurtured great thinkers such as Confucius, Mencius, and Sun Tzu, but also preserved numerous precious historical and cultural heritage, providing valuable resources and inspiration for classical studies in China and the world.

The first World Conference of Classics, organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Greece and the Academy of Athens, will be held in Beijing from Nov 6 to 8. The Exploring China, Impressions of Qilu event has explored the mysteries of Chinese civilization through exchanges and dialogues that promote mutual understanding and respect.