President Xi Jinping has said that Confucianism has had a great impact on the Chinese civilization, and is an important part of Chinese traditional culture. Tonight, Confucius' teachings are making an appearance at the world leaders' gala of the SCO summit in Qingdao. John Terret has more.

If you want to get to know President Xi Jinping just a little better, study the work of Confucius. When the President went to Qufu - the birthplace of Confucius - in Shandong Province in 2013, Xi called on Chinese people to follow the philosopher's teachings as a way of improving their lives and the lives of those around them. It's a fair bet that President Xi was talking to young folk especially and here in the Qingdao district of Chengyang a group of 8 to 9-year-olds have gathered to prepare for learning more about the teachings of Confucius.

The kids in red are from the city, those in blue from rural areas. They're singing Di Zi Gui - a song based on the work of Confucius - about living in harmony with others.

WUREN TUYA "My favorite songs are Di Zi Gui, the collected works of Confucius, and I appreciate traditional Chinese culture."

WU KEXIN "I joined a Peking Opera club in my school and I can sing the classic works."

As a giant picture of Confucius looks down on them from a screen on the wall - a small group of children dances and sings at the same time.

YANG JIAN TEACHER "China is one of the four great ancient civilizations and is also a place where good manners and courtesy are respected. Learning Di Zi Gui helps students to understand China better and the teachings of Confucius."

At the back of the room Zhou Yujia and Wang Jiankun - both slightly older students - are demonstrating Chinese Calligraphy, "Charming Chengyang" says one sign. "I'm With the SCO", says the other.

"Representing all the children here Kexin has a message for me and all the CGTN viewers."

"Beautiful Chengyang welcome SCO!"

"SCO Qingdao Summit I'll be there." 

"Yes! Well done! Congratulations! Give her a round of applause."

Meanwhile, outside a group of youngsters is taking lessons in how to behave in Chinese society - all the time keeping one eye on the teachings of Confucius, how to smile, making a bow, greeting the elderly and shaking hands.

JOHN TERRETT QINGDAO "It's no wonder that President Xi holds the teachings of Confucius close to his heart. Confucius regards the people's happiness and satisfaction as the ultimate test of governmental success."

The Children gather for one more nod towards Confucius, they know the title of the Saturday night gala that world leaders will be entertained by in Qingdao is taken from one of the sayings of Confucius, "how pleasant it is when friends come from afar". The children chant again, holding signs that talk about respect, courtesy, good manners and virtuous behavior and welcoming friends from afar - or as they like to say - "friends from afar how happy we are". If only the world leaders could see them too, how happy they'd be. John Terrett, CGTN, Qingdao.