When the Confucian Temple in the city of Qufu, Shandong province held a grand ceremony to commemorate the classical philosopher Confucius, on Sept 28, on what would have been his 2,567th birthday, it attracted more than 200 people, including scholars and Confucian followers from Japan, South Korea, the United States, and elsewhere and members of the general public.

Some of the participants took part in a formal ritual of bowing to a statue of philosopher and a Ba Yi dance that started back in the Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-256BC), and offering wine to the master, and 1,200 local college students and 1,000 members of the public recited parts of Confucian classics.

One provincial culture dept official explained that the solemn ritual, the traditional music, and the Han and Tang style clothing worn by the participants help people feel the holiness and charm of the tradition.

Confucius, born in 551 BC, is one of the most important of China's philosophers and his thoughts were taken as orthodox for more than 2,000 years, and even to this day are studied far and wide.

The ceremony was also carried by the China Kongzi website as well as other mainstream video websites and a global alliance has been set up this year to celebrate Confucius' birthday, sponsored by Chinese and foreign institutions, including the China Confucius Foundation, the Confucian Academy of Hong Kong, and Matakin, a Confucian church in Indonesia, commemorate Confucius' birthday globally and increase understanding and friendship among people around the world.

Commemorating the 2,567th birthday of Confucius at the Confucian Temple, in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Musicians in traditional costume playing to mark Confucius' 2,567th birthday, at the Confucian Temple in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Performers in traditional costume mark Confucius' 2,567th birthday at the Confucian Temple in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

People in traditional costumes mark Confucius' 2,567th anniversary, at the Confucian Temple in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]