Shandong province will seek innovative ways to expand international cultural exchanges and implement Qilu culture's global strategy this year, according to Wang Lei, head of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture.

Wang delivered a speech at a working conference held in Jinan on Jan 13, stating that as a province with such a rich historical culture, Shandong should develop cultural plans that represent and coincide with its own characteristics, with particular focus on Qilu and Confucian cultures.

The 2017 working conference of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture is held on Jan 13 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/sdswhtwx]

Shandong was also known as Qilu in ancient times. It was the home of the Qi and Lu states during the spring and autumn (770-476 BC) as well as the Warring States between 475-221 BC. The province is the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius as well as one of the roots of Chinese traditional civilizations.

Wang added that the Shandong government should fully utilize its resources to promote Qilu culture at an international level while enhancing cultural cooperation and exchanges within the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening cultural ties with the South and Southeast Asia.

Wang Lei, head of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture, delivers a keynote speech at the department's 2017 working conference held in Jinan on Jan 13. [Photo/sdswhtwx]

Furthermore, Wang suggested the government should guide the application of branding and have a standardized strategy to promote the province's cultural products worldwide.

"The province will integrate all its cultural resources including Confucianism, stagecraft, intangible cultural heritages and cultural relics, and make plans to promote its local Qilu culture internationally", said Wang.

Throughout the year, Shandong will also continue efforts to strengthen its cultural trade in global markets. It will hold various exchange activities around the world, such as an art festival in the US, cultural industry related interviews in France and Italy and a Shandong Cultural Year event in Sweden.

In 2016 Shandong organized 63 cultural exchange groups with 491 members to globally promote Qilu culture. A collection of 227 foreign culture and art communities, totaling 2,138 members, have since been introduced to the province.

Moreover, Shandong has so far established an exchange and communication relationship with more than 82 countries and regions in the world.