CHINA DAILY
Children participate in a traditional ceremony at the institute that opened last year after six years of construction.
Covering 130 mu, or 86,600 square meters, it has a traditional Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) architectural style.
The institute organizes teaching, ceremonies, research, tourism and collections. Remote but cultural
Due to its geographic remoteness that made the city obscure in ancient times, Guiyang has its own cultural origins, Jiang said.
It is where Wang Yangming, one of China's most influential philosophers during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), conducted his research on traditional theories.
In addition to its efforts to speed up ecological civilization in recent years, Guiyang is now reaching out to boost cultural communication across the globe.
Last year, representatives from Confucius institutes around the world, including Germany, UK, Brazil, and South Korea, visited the Guiyang Confucius Institute.
"I was surprised by the cultural atmosphere at the institute, where the essence of Sinology is thoroughly shown," said one representative.
Gu Jiu, chairman of the Guizhou Provincial Federation of the Literary and Art Community, said many renowned lecturers who gave speeches at the institute were surprised by the audience.
"I found they were very knowledgeable in Confucianism and other traditional Chinese philosophies.
"During my lecture last year, the audience brought up a lot of questions on Confucianism, some of which were very profound."
He said the institute is also a place for people who yearn for the depth of ancient philosophies.
"The Confucius institute in Guiyang provides opportunities not only for experts and scholars, but also for citizens who are longing for kindness, which was the fundamental theory in the Chinese society for centuries.
"The aspiration for kindness is a vital part of the Chinese morals and what we need to do is help them find it," Gu said.
"I believe the revival of the Confucius institute is a fresh start for Guiyang, and it will go better as a cultural business card to draw the world's attention," said Gu.
At Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar New Year, more than 1,000 Guiyang citizens enjoyed their day at the Confucius Institute.
Stepping onto the central square, visitors guessed at riddles written on the lanterns while others read the famous quotes of Confucius on buildings around the plaza.
"Confucius once said courtesy is the key to relationships", said Song Ximing, a regular visitor at the institute.
The 63-year-old was reading Confucian ideas to his grandson.
"I hope that my grandson could have a better understanding of morals and our culture," said Song, who was a teacher for more than four decades.
"I think culture is the spirit of our society and young people need to further dig up traditional culture in case it gradually fades away among us," said Song.
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