温故知新 | Foreign Social‑Media Influencers Experience Rubbing Artistry at Confucius Temple

From September 19 to 20, the cultural experience event "2026 Revisiting and Renewing: Jining Journey — Sacred Nishan Invites You to Share" made its way to the Confucius Temple in Qufu.A number of foreign social‑media influencers personally tried their hand at the traditional intangible cultural heritage technique of stone rubbing, feeling the thousand-year charm of Confucianism amid paper‑beating and ink‑rubbing, and capturing their best wishes in the process.

Rubbing is an age-old traditional Chinese craft and a classic means of preserving texts and passing on cultural heritage, often dubbed the "the photocopier of ancient times." At the event, professional instructors gave meticulous demonstrations of the complete rubbing process, explaining each step in detail — from laying the paper and tapping it down, to applying ink, evening out the color, and carefully lifting the finished print. With this straightforward, easy-to-follow instruction, the foreign guests, who were complete beginners, quickly got the hang of it and immersed themselves in this traditional craft.

Foreign influencer Gudkova Aleksandra was trying her hand at rubbing for the first time. Among the many auspicious characters on offer, she deliberately chose "peace and joy" (ping'an xile) to print, saying, "Because I hope there can be a little more 'peace and joy' in my life. I'm very grateful for this experience — thank you, Jining, thank you, Qufu."