A brand-new Nishan Book House was unveiled at the Confucius Institute of University of Dusseldorf on July 19 in Germany.

Jointly organized by the information office of Shandong provincial government, the Confucius Institute of University of Dusseldorf, and the China International Book Trading Corporation, the book house is the third of its kind in Germany and the 35th overseas branch of Nishan House, a chain created by East China's Shandong province as a major project for promoting traditional Chinese culture at home and abroad.

Nishan, or Mount Ni, is regarded as the birthplace of the great ancient Chinese educator and philosopher Confucius in Qufu, Shandong province.

A photo exhibition themed on "Shandong China, Home of Confucius" also commenced and displayed the life of Confucius, the inheritance, influence and transmission of his thoughts as well as the saint's hometown of Jining in Shandong province.

More than 60 representatives from Shandong government, University of Dusseldorf, and the China International Book Trading Corporation took part in the unveiling ceremony.

Wei Changmin, director of the information office of the Shandong provincial government, said that Confucius Institute strengthens cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation, and fosters friendly relations between China and foreign countries.

"Dusseldorf is an artistic city on the Rhine River and home to the famous poet Heine. The opening of Nishan Book House will help the Dusseldorf University's faculty and students as well as local people to better understand China and its culture".

Tao Lili, vice Chinese Consul General in Dusseldorf, said that Confucius Institute furthers the understanding of Chinese language and culture, encourages faculty and student exchange and promotes cross-cultural communications.

She said that the opening of Nishan Book House and the Confucius photo exhibition would offer opportunities to strengthen the bridge of understanding, friendship, exchange, and cooperation between China and Germany.

People participate at the launching ceremony of the Nishan Book House and the Confucius photo exhibition on July 19 at the Confucius Institute of University of Dusseldorf in Germany. [Photo/people.com.cn]

The Nishan Book House is unveiled at the Confucius Institute of University of Dusseldorf on July 19 in Germany. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Students from China and Germany recite The Analects of Confucius at the unveiling ceremony on July 19 at the Confucius Institute of University of Dusseldorf in Germany. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]