Qufu, Confucius' birthplace in east China's Shandong Province, has decided to enrich its cultural tourism programs and perform the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) ancient city gate opening ceremony and the Confucian Temple sacrifice rituals every week instead of once a year, to enable more visitors from home and abroad to appreciate the city's old world charms.

Qufu used to perform the Ming Dynasty ancient city gate opening ceremony and the Confucian Temple sacrifice rituals once every year during the 15-day China Qufu International Confucius Culture Festival.

With Confucius' hometown cultural tourism rising in popularity, these programs have gradually become favorites among visitors from home and abroad.

Qufu has decided to perform these programs regularly, that is, at 9 o'clock every Saturday morning from Apr. 19 to Oct. 31 every year. More than 300 professional actors and actresses will take part. Tourists can also participate and gain first hand experience.

Moreover, Qufu will also do a face-lift to the large-scale performance of "Xintanshengmeng," add Shanxi Luliang weifeng (powerful) gongs and drums as well as Russian and Korean actors and actresses.

(Chinanew.cn March 30, 2005)