Graphs on development of Confucius Institutes Source: XINHUA

The establishment of Confucius Institutes is considered a milestone in the opening up of Chinese education. Their birth can be attributed to the unprecedented and prominent role of the Chinese language in international political, economic and cultural exchanges. The international community’s demand for Chinese language learning has grown into a “Mandarin fever.” By 2018, a total of 525 Confucius Institutes have been set up in 138 countries.

Confucius Institutes aim to teach the Chinese language, promote Chinese culture and organize Chinese language tests. They train faculty for Chinese teaching and provide teaching certificates for applicants. In addition, they conduct contemporary Chinese studies.

Since its first overseas branch opened in Seoul in 2004, the Confucius Institute has promoted cultural exchange and trade cooperation. The following graphs show the development of Confucius Institutes using multiple metrics.

(edited by MA YUHONG)