JINAN, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- China will host the fourth World Confucian Conference from Sept. 26 to 29 in the city of Qufu in east China's Shandong Province, also known as the birthplace of the ancient philosopher Confucius.

About 120 Confucian scholars from more than 20 countries and regions will attend the conference to discuss the universal values of Confucianism and the development of social culture, according to Yang Chaoming, president of the Qufu-based China Institute of Confucius Studies.

"We hope to make more friends through the conference and promote the study of Confucianism worldwide," he said.

The World Confucian Conference, initiated in 2007, is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the provincial government of Shandong and the China Institute of Confucius Studies.

Confucianism is an ethical and philosophical system derived from the teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC).