A memorial for Confucius was held on September 28 in east China's Qufu, Shandong province.

Tens of thousands of Confucianism scholars and Confucius' descendants from around the world took part in the commemorative ritual.

The ceremony, held to commemorate the 2560th birthday of Confucius, was a special highlight of the International Confucius Cultural Festival.

At 8:30 am, a phalanx consisting of tens of thousands of locals read Confucius classics to welcome visitors.

The memorial for Confucius was unveiled 10 minutes later as the Temple of Confucius opened and the Door of Great Perfection was unlocked.

Confucianism scholars and Confucius' descendants served flowers to Confucius at the Hall of Great Perfection at 9:00 am. Jiang Daming, governor of Shandong province, read the lament for Confucius written by the famous calligrapher Fanzeng.

The memorial ended with a song and dance ceremony.

2009 Memorial Ceremony for Confucius (By Ju Chuanjiang)

Ancient dancing on the memorial of Confucius (By Ju Chuanjiang)

Confucius' admirers from Korea (By Ju Chuanjiang)

Confucius' admirers from the United States (By Ju Chuanjiang)

Jiang Daming,Governor of Shandong Province, read lament. (By Ju Chuanjiang)

Editor Li Jing

By Ji Yuan (China Daily Shandong Bureau)