The "Hometown of Confucius, Friendly Shandong" Culture and Tourism Promotion Conference kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sept 24, with over 200 attendees gathering, boosting the cultural exchange between the two regions.

During the conference, Shandong introduced inbound-tourism policies, tourism routes, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and performances, showcasing the province's rich history and bountiful tourism offerings.

China and Malaysia's friendship has endured for millennia and remains ever fresh, setting a shining example of mutual achievement and win-win cooperation between countries in the world, according to Zheng Xuefang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Malaysia, as he delivered a speech at the conference.

Shandong and Malaysia ties are stronger than ever in fields such as trade, culture, technology and transportation, serving as a model for the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

Two Southeast Asian travel content influencers shared their own travel experiences in Shandong during the conference. They, plus, introduced five in-bound travel routes to the guests.

Southeast Asian travel content creator Aereon Wong shares his travel experience in Shandong during the conference. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Marking the first anniversary of the Qingdao-Kuala Lumpur flight's launch, Qingdao Airlines Co Ltd released a series of discount and preferential strategies, aiming to build a new "friendly meeting room in the sky" and smoothing the air travel for Malaysian visitors.

In addition, the conference featured a "Mid-Autumn Festival: A moonment to remember" performance. The Shandong Song and Dance Theater and other local troupes joined Malaysian artists to present unforgettable shows, presenting Shandong's folk music, acrobatics, opera, and dance, as well as Malaysian local dances. The performance highlighted Shandong's cultural achievements and Confucian spirit, celebrating the deep friendship between China and Malaysia.

Shandong opera show pulls all into enchanted Shandong culture. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shandong and Malaysian representatives pose for a photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]