Students listen to stories about Confucius' most renowned disciples, including tales of loyalty, wisdom, and perseverance that have inspired generations of Chinese scholars. [Photo by Song Yuxiang/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The students are beneficiaries of a shift away from traditional learning. "We have shifted from rigid lectures to storytelling and interactive teaching," said Liu Jifu, a veteran study tour instructor of eight years.

The Qufu study tour development center has designed nearly 100 courses aligned with educational standards to go with its infrastructure and services management system.

Gao Yumian contributed to the story.