A man dressed in Song Dynasty attire announces the start of the commemoration. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The Hangzhou Confucius Temple on Sept 28 hosted a grand ceremony of Confucius commemoration on the revered site in Hangzhou — capital of East China's Zhejiang province — marking the 2,576th anniversary of the sage's birth.

The event observed Song Dynasty (960-1279) rituals and drew participants from across society.

At 9:28 am, the ceremony opened with the unlocking of the temple gates. Guests entered in sequence as 50 teenagers recited Confucius' Analects, setting the tone for the solemn occasion. The ritual included offerings of West Lake and Grand Canal water, symbolizing the inheritance of Confucian thought in Hangzhou.

A highlight was the Six-Row Dance, performed by 36 dancers in Song Dynasty attire, each movement reflecting characters and meanings rooted in Confucian values. The full sequence — from drumming and bell tolling to reading sacrificial texts — presented an authentic revival of ancient rites.

Alongside the main event, cultural activities such as a digital astronomy exhibition, an inscriptions exhibition, calligraphy demonstrations and woodblock printing workshops extended the celebration.

The Six-Row Dance is a highlight of the event. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]