International students intonate at a ceremony in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on Sept 28, celebrating the 2,569th birthday of Confucius, an ancient Chinese educator and philosopher. Confucius (551-479 BC) founded Confucianism, a school of thought that deeply influenced later generations. He was also the first Chinese person to set up private schools and enroll students from all walks of life. He is believed to have been born on Sept 28. Annual commemorations of Confucius started in 478 BC, the year following his death. [Photo/VCG]