"Southern Confucius, " a musical produced in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, is set to embark on its first international tour, with performances scheduled for Oct. 24 and 25 in Singapore and Oct. 27 and 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Actors perform in the Quzhou-produced musical "Southern Confucius." [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The musical tells the story of Kong Zhu, the 53rd-generation eldest descendant of Confucius. After giving up his hereditary title to his kin in Qufu, Kong returned to Quzhou, where he devoted himself to serving the people and promoting Confucian teachings.

Since its premiere in August 2023, "Southern Confucius" has gained wide popularity across China, with nearly 140 performances put up in more than 40 cities across 16 provinces. The show has attracted a strong following of repeat viewers and received acclaim for its pioneering efforts to create Chinese-style musicals.

According to Shi Ping, deputy chair of the Quzhou City Federation of Social Sciences Circles, the international tour will combine stage performances with city promotion. At each stop, Quzhou will host events highlighting its cultural heritage and creative products inspired by Confucius and "The Analects of Confucius," aiming to share the city's legacy with global audiences and attract more visitors.