An international academic conference focusing on relations between tradition and modernity was held from March 13-18 in Macerata, a city in Italy. Famous professors and scholars from China, Italy and the US attended the meeting, and discussed deeply in philosophy, literature, art and politics.

The conference was sponsored by the Confucius Institute and the University of Macerata. The participants had a deep exchange on the influence of Chinese traditional culture in modern times.

There were a series of lectures on China's Nakhi culture given by Yang Fuquan, a Chinese scholar; Dr Cristine Turini, an Italian scholar; and Chas Mckhann, a US professor, over the three days.

The lectures on Nakhi culture drew in many people, including residents in Macerata and teachers and students in the university.

Macerata is the birthplace for Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), a famous Italian missionary and China expert. He was the first European who entered China.

Scholars from China, Italy and US at the forum held in the University of Macerata's Confucius Institute