Thirteen foreigners from South Africa recite the Analects of Confucius at the opening ceremony of the Chinese language training program in Quzhou, Zhejiang province on July 1. [Photo/qz96811.com]

Thirteen foreigners from South Africa recited the Analects of Confucius at the opening ceremony of a Chinese language training program in Quzhou, Zhejiang province on July 1.

Following the opening ceremony, the South African students toured the Temple of Southern Confucianism while listening to a presentation by a member of staff.

Quzhou is a place where generations of Confucius' descendants have been living and it boasts a long history and profound culture. The Temple of Southern Confucianism is one of only two ancestral temples in China for the Kong family – Confucius' clan -- the other being located in Qufu, Shandong province.

"I've learned Chinese for many years and I'm really delighted to learn it in the place where descendants of Confucius live," said Mary, a teacher from the China International School of Cape Town.

She said that many people love Chinese culture and love Chinese in South Africa and therefore, lessons about traditional Chinese culture are quite popular in the country.

In the following days, the foreign students will experience Confucian culture through various scheduled activities and Mary is quite looking forward to it.

Last year, approved by the Office of Chinese Language Council International, or Hanban, the training center for Confucius institutes in Africa and Zhejiang was inaugurated at the Temple of Southern Confucianism.

The training center has undertaken numerous selections and training work for directors, teachers and volunteers of Confucius institutes over the last year. This, say officials, underlines the positive path to promoting Chinese culture around the world.

South African students visit the Temple of Southern Confucianism, one of only two ancestral temples for the Kong family in China, after the opening ceremony on July 1. [Photo/qz96811.com]