Memorial ceremony marks Confucius' 2,567th birthday in Beijing
By Li Hao, Published: 2016-09-28 18:00:43
The head of the memorial ceremony announces the official opening of proceedings at the Confucius Temple in Beijing on September 28. Beijing's Confucius Temple is the second largest in the country behind the one in Qufu, Confucius' hometown. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Editor's Note:
September 28, 2016 marks the 2,567th anniversary of Confucius' birth. Cities throughout China, including Beijing and the sage's birthplace Qufu in Shandong Province, held memorial ceremonies to show respect to the great philosopher and educator. Confucius (551BC-479BC) and his philosophy continue to hold great influence over China’s politics, values and ethics.

Descendents of Confucius arrive for the ceremony held at the Confucius Temple in Beijing on September 28. Photo: Li Hao/GT
The head of the ceremony gives an oration in front of a statue of Confucius at the Confucius Temple in Beijing on September 28. Photo: Li Hao/GT
A man strikes a bell during the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Worshippers offer their respects to a statue of Confucius during the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Helpers in white costumes guide participants through the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Students from Beijing Guangqumen Middle School read excerpts from The Book of Rites, describing the ideal world envisioned by Confucius. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Children wearing traditional costumes attend the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Students from Beijing Guangqumen Middle School perform an ancient dance during the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Descendants of Confucius show their respect to the sage during the ceremony. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Worshippers show their respect to Confucius in the yard of the Confucius Temple in Beijing. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Offerings from tourists sit on a shrine to Confucius. Photo: Li Hao/GT
Tourists pay their respects to Confucius following the ceremony. When bowing before Confucius, men and women use slightly different gestures. Men place their left hand over their right hand, while women place their right hand over their left. Photo: Li Hao/GT