An exhibition in central China’s Henan Province is offering visitors a cultural journey through the life and thought of Confucius, tracing the philosopher’s 14-year travels as he sought to practise and spread his ideals across ancient China.

Titled “The Journey of Practicing the Way: Confucius Traveling among the States”, the exhibition is now on show at the Henan Museum, bringing together around 197 artefacts from 28 museums nationwide. Instead of following a conventional timeline, the display maps Confucius’s physical route and inner spiritual quest, using bronzes, jade, calligraphy, paintings and ceramics, alongside multimedia recreations of key moments.

Among the highlights is a bronze axe-head from Shandong bearing an inscription linked to Confucius’s birthplace, as well as an ancient bell symbolising his role in moral and political education. As one organiser noted, Confucius was seen as a guiding voice, “like a wooden-clapper bell”.

Running until March 2026, the exhibition also features lectures and youth programmes, highlighting Confucius’s lasting cultural legacy.

Source: China Central Television