普天同庆，纪念孔子诞辰2556周年！
WHO is the greatest teacher in China? Confucius, of course. You will agree after you read his story of challenging (挑战) the old education system and offering equal education to everyone. The story has been around for 2,500 years.
With wise thoughts about nature and the world, Confucius is also the most famous thinker in Chinese history.
This Wednesday is the 2556th anniversary of his birthday. Ceremonies will be held in more than 1,000 Confucius temples. A series of exhibitions, TV programmes and books will help people get to know more about him.
Confucius was born into a down-trodden (没落的) noble family in 551 BC in the Lu Kingdom, part of today's Shandong Province. His childhood was sad. His father died when he was only four and he had to work to help his mother.
