Confucius Museum to open next year in E China

A Confucius Museum under construction in the hometown of the ancient Chinese educator will open next year, local authorities said.

The museum complex in Qufu city, Shandong province, includes a major exhibition center and six subordinate halls with a total floor area of 90,000 square meters.

The structure of the main building has been completed, said a city official on Thursday.

He said the museum will be a key cultural industry project.

Construction began in February 2013 with a total investment of 1.6 billion yuan ($260 million).

More than 100,000 relics will be displayed in the new museum. The museum will also incorporate modern technology to give the public a new way to experience Confucianism.

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