On May 14, the Qi Culture Roots Exploration and Ancestral Pilgrimage Tour, themed “Tracing Ancestral Footprints, Echoes of Centuries Past”, kicked off grandly in Linzi, Shandong Province. Representatives from the Korean Noh Family Central Clan Association, the World Noh Family Origins Research Association, and domestic Noh clan members gathered at Taigong Square and the Taigong Temple, embarking on a millennium-spanning journey to reconnect with their cultural heritage. The event aimed to deepen China-Korea cultural exchanges through the bond of surname culture and foster mutual learning between Qi culture and Korea’s clan traditions.
As the birthplace of Qi culture, Linzi embodies the cultural ethos of Jiang Taigong (also known as Lü Shang), characterized by "merit-based pragmatism, openness, and inclusiveness." During the ceremony, Noh clan representatives held a solemn ancestral worship ritual at the Taigong Temple, presenting floral tributes and reciting ceremonial texts to honor Jiang Taigong’s legacy as the progenitor of the Noh surname and reflect on the spiritual essence of Qi culture. Noh Tae-gi, President of the Korean Noh Family Central Clan Association, remarked in his speech: "Jiang Taigong is not only a sage of Chinese civilization but also a symbol of the shared origins and interconnected development of Korean and Chinese cultures. This pilgrimage allows us to deeply appreciate the profound kinship and cultural unity between our nations."
At the launch ceremony, China and Korea exchanged commemorative gifts. Gao Jin, Deputy District Mayor of Linzi District People’s Government, emphasized that Linzi will leverage this event to strengthen collaboration with Korean Noh clan organizations, build platforms for surname culture exchanges, and advance practical cooperation in Qi culture research, cultural heritage preservation, and integrated cultural tourism development.
Qi culture, a vital branch of Chinese civilization, shares deep historical ties with Korean traditions. In recent years, Linzi has expanded Qi culture’s global influence through events such as the Jiang Taigong Birthday Commemoration Ceremonies and China-Korea Surname Culture Forums. This roots-seeking journey not only traces cultural origins but also bridges emotional connections between the peoples of China and Korea. Deputy Mayor Gao Jin added: "We look forward to leveraging culture as a bond to drive comprehensive cooperation in economic and trade exchanges, education, and tourism, allowing the wisdom of Qi culture to illuminate the path of China-Korea friendship."
The successful hosting of this event marks a solid step in Linzi’s efforts to internationalize traditional culture. Moving forward, this millennia-old city will continue to embrace openness, writing new chapters in China-Korea cultural exchange.