JINAN, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- The first international knowledge competition for Lunyu, or the Analects of Confucius, ended Saturday in east China's Shandong Province.

Confucius (551-479 BC) was a famous educator and thinker in ancient times. He also founded Confucianism, a mainstream school of thought that deeply influenced later generations.

Kung Chuei-chang, the 79th generation grandson in the Confucian lineal descent, attended the awards ceremony and shared his views about the value of Confucianism in modern society.

More than 500 people, including elderly people, children from home and abroad and foreign students in China, participated in the competition. All the contestants showcased their knowledge about the life story of Confucius and his Analects.

Li Xining, chief librarian of the Library of Shandong Province, said during the ceremony that Confucianism is not only an important bond linking the different ethnic groups of China, but it also releases fresh power for relations between China and the world.

"Confucius and Confucianism have had profound impacts on history and the world. It has great significance in the construction of public cultural services and the development of a harmonious society," said Li Guolin, deputy director of the Culture Department of Shandong Province.