A national cultural forum promoting filial piety and Zen, two important components in traditional Chinese culture, opened in Datong, Shanxi province, on Oct 6.

The event, co-launched by Datong municipal government and Enlighten Education Foundation, gathered delegates including China's outstanding individuals and organizations practicing filial piety, the national officials in charge of caring senior citizens, and philanthropists. Film screenings and symposiums on traditional Chinese rituals and Buddhism were also held during the forum.

The event also marked the ending of Datong Cultural Tourism Month of 2017. Datong is best known for its Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the well-reserved ancient Buddhist temples.