People attend a memorial ceremony for the 2,561st anniversary of the birth of Confucius in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)BEIJING, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ceremonies were held across China Tuesday to commemorate the 2561st birthday of China's great philosopher,Confucius.

A ceremony in Confucius' hometown, Qufu city of east China's Shandong province, gathered officials, descendants of Confucius and experts from home and aboard.

Chen Zhili, vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, attended the ceremony in Qufu.

"It's very informative. I hope it can continue in this positive direction," commented Larry W. Hurtado, professor with the University of Edinburgh, at the ceremony.

"Confucianism is very traditional. But there are many positive elements," said Hurtado.

Confucius (551-479 BC), an educator and philosopher, founded a school of thought called Confucianism that deeply influenced later generations. He was also the first Chinese to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life.

People attend a memorial ceremony for the 2,561st anniversary of the birth of Confucius in Qufu, east China's Shandong province, Sept. 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

People attend a memorial ceremony for the 2,561st anniversary of the birth of Confucius in Qufu, east China's Shandong province, Sept. 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng)

Editor: Li Jing

Source: Xinhua