STORY: Confucian lecture halls thrive in China's rural communities
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 25, 2023
DATELINE: Nov. 26, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:31
LOCATION: JINAN, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Confucian lecture hall in Beidongye Village of Shandong Province
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PANG DEHAI, Resident in Beidongye Village
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): GAO DEYING, Volunteer lecturer with the Confucian lecture hall of Beidongye Village
4. various of Confucian lecture halls
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): SUN FULU, Staffer with a Confucian lecture hall in Zibo

STORYLINE:

The Confucian lecture hall in Beidongye Village of Shandong Province was packed with villagers on Saturday morning.
 
Ten years ago, the first Confucian lecture hall was established in the village, which is not far from Nishan Mountain, the birthplace of ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): PANG DEHAI, Resident in Beidongye Village
"The Confucian lecture hall was established in 2013. Through these years of education, there have been significant changes in the mindset of villagers. The village has also undergone many changes, with improved environment and sanitation, and more harmonious neighborly relationships."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): GAO DEYING, Volunteer lecturer with the Confucian lecture hall of Beidongye Village
"I'm a volunteer lecturer, and I come here to spend a joyful weekend with villagers almost every Saturday. It's been nearly 10 years now. I feel at home here in the Confucian lecture hall. The atmosphere is so warm and comforting."
 
Over the past 10 years, Shandong has established over 22,000 Confucian lecture halls in rural areas and conducted over 120,000 cultural activities yearly. 
 
Many are hoping that their efforts would reintegrate the essence of traditional Chinese culture into rural areas, and stimulate the fundamental vitality of Chinese civilization.
 
SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): SUN FULU, Staffer with a Confucian lecture hall in Zibo
"We will continuously enrich the content of the lectures, efficiently carry out the activities of Confucian lecture halls, and strengthen the interaction with the community, allowing the people to genuinely experience the charm of traditional culture, and the excellent traditional culture to genuinely enter the hearts of the people."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jinan, China.
(XHTV)