Teachers' Day may change to Confucius' birthday

Teachers' Day in China，which has been held on September 10 for 29 years, may be moved to September 28, believed to be the birthday of Confucius (551-479 BC), the most important educationalist and philosopher in Chinese civilization, according to a new draft.

Planned education laws published by the State Council on Sept 5 adjust Teachers' Day to Sept 28.

On Jan 21, 1985, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress dedicated September 10 as Teachers' Day. That same year, the first such day was celebrated across the nation.

However, there has long been a cry to adjust the day. Li Hanqiu, a then member of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, first proposed changing the date in 2004. Many called to adjust the day to September 28. In Taiwan, Teachers' Day is also on September 28.

In practice, teachers are always too busy on September 10 to enjoy the festival as the new term starts at the beginning of the month. If the day is at the end of September, it is near the National Day on October 1 and teachers can enjoy the two holidays together.