US students explore Confucius' hometown, Chinese culture

Confucius was once nothing more than a name in a history book — but in Qufu, Jining, Shandong province, he became a place, a story and an experience they could see and feel for themselves.

More than 100 students from 10 US universities, including Harvard University, Columbia University and the University of Chicago, visited Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, on Sept 2 and 3 to explore Chinese culture and learn more about the philosopher's ideas.

From the Confucius Museum to his birthplace, their journey took them beyond the classroom and into the world that shaped the philosopher's ideas. It gave them a deeper insight into why his influence has endured for more than 2,500 years.