When Simon Philips, a TikTok influencer from the United Kingdom, picked up a calligraphy brush to copy lines from The Analects at Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu, Shandong province, he found himself more connected than ever to Confucian culture.

"I can speak a little Chinese, but my knowledge of characters is quite limited. It was fascinating to realize that these writings actually convey the very ideas Confucius was trying to share with people," he said.

For Simon, the three-day trip through Shandong was not only a journey of cultural discovery but also an opportunity to better understand the province and its traditions.

From Sept 28 to 30, Simon participated in the "Global Influencers Explore Confucius' Hometown in Shandong" event, traveling alongside international content creators from the United States, Russia, Brazil, Morocco, Guyana, and Pakistan.

Their journey took them to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, where they explored the philosopher's ideas, then to Tai'an, where they experienced the sacred traditions of Taishan Mountain, and finally to Zibo, where they admired centuries-old ceramics and colored glaze artistry.

According to Simon, who is now 56 years old, visiting Confucius' hometown was especially meaningful, as his years of experience and love of philosophy made the experience deeply resonant.

For Abike Barker from Guyana, seeing the rocks of Taishan Mountain and understanding their symbolic meaning in Tai'an was "truly breathtaking," and the local Shigandang (protective stones warding off evil) culture gave her a vivid sense of the traditions and stories behind them.

During their tour of Zibo, renowned for its ceramics and colored glaze artistry, Meryam Bechchar from Morocco was deeply impressed by the diverse displays at the 2025 China (Zibo) International Ceramics and Colored Glaze Expo.

"These artworks are not only beautiful but also reflect a rich tradition and history," she said, appreciating the way they combine artistic beauty, cultural heritage, and practicality.

For Thales Saque, a photographer from Brazil, Shandong is a unique mix of history, tradition, technology, and nature.

Shandong, with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, has become a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

The province is actively promoting cultural tourism and developing its "Friendly Shandong" brand, which has contributed to a surge in inbound tourism this year.

Statistics show that Shandong recorded 705,000 inbound tourists in the first half of the year, a 72.1 percent increase from the previous year.

International influencers take a group photo at the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Meryam Bechchar from Morocco takes a photo of an exquisite colored-glaze piece at the 2025 China (Zibo) International Ceramics and Colored Glaze Expo in Zibo, Shandong province on Sept 30. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Simon Philips, a TikTok influencer from the United Kingdom, reads The Analects in Qufu, Shandong province, on Sept 28. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Participants take a photo at Taishan Shigandang Cultural Park in Tai'an, Shandong province on Sept 29. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]