The much-anticipated Confucius Museum started its trail operation on Nov 26 in Qufu, the birthplace of the great sage in East China's Shandong province.

The comprehensive museum is first of its kind in the country focusing on Confucius (551-479 BC) and his ideology, with a total investment of 700 million yuan ($102 million).

A total of 2,500 sets of cultural relics are on exhibition during the trail operation, employing cutting edge technology for the edutainment of the public.

"The exhibits are arranged by choreographed stories to present Confucian culture and relics. With a series of interactive activities, visitors will be able to gain a more in-depth understanding about the great sage and his thought and theories," said Zhang Lie, head of the exhibition planning and design.

The museum complex consists of an exhibition center and six subordinate halls, covering a total of 57,000 square meters. It is designed to showcase Confucian teachings and relics collected by generations of Confucius' disciples, as well as a place to learn about traditional culture.

The Confucian culture, which has lasted for more than 2,000 years, has left nearly 700,000 cultural relics in Qufu, including more than 300,000 documents of the Confucius family from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) up to 1948 that contain details of the family history during feudal times.

In addition, there are more than 40,000 books dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and more than 8,000 pieces of clothing and accessories from the Ming and Qing (1368-1911) dynasties.

All these items will be displayed on rotation at the museum.

"Confucianism has had a profound effect on Chinese civilization and constitutes an important part of traditional Chinese culture," said Kong Deyong, an official from the Chinese Confucian Academy.

"The museum is of great importance to better protect cultural relics, promote traditional culture and help the public to learn more about Confucius."

The Confucius Museum is a comprehensive museum focusing on Confucius (551-479 BC) and his ideology in Qufu, Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Visitors appreciate exhibits at the Confucius Museum on the first open day in Qufu, Shandong province, Nov 26. [Photo/dzwww.com]

A father shows a cultural relic to his son at the Confucius Museum on Nov 26 in Qufu, Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]