The selected cities will carry out diverse cultural and tourism activities to promote cultural exchanges among the three countries.

Jinan, dubbed as a city of springs, is an important site for the inheritance and development of Confucian culture.

The city will promote traditional Chinese culture and work with selected cities to enhance people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation in the region, said Sun Shutao, mayor of Jinan, at the awarding ceremony.

Jinan will also carry out a wide range of cultural activities and participate in cultural cooperation with East Asian countries, stimulate urban vitality and expand the city's international reputation.

To date, 29 cities from the three countries have been designated as Culture Cities of East Asia.