On February 7, Branko Balon, chairman of the Croatia-China Friendship Association and professor of Computer Science at ALGEBRA University in Zagreb, Croatia, arrived at China Confucius Research Institute as the first visiting scholar of the "Qilu Visiting Research Program" to carry out his researchwork.

During his visit to the Confucius Institute, Balon went to theConfucius Museum, the Kong Family Mansion, the Temple of Confucius, the Meng Family Mansion, the Temple of Mencius, the Temple of Duke Zhou, the Yan Family Templeand other historical and cultural sites to experience the Confucian style and Lu charm. Academic lectures and discussions with relevant experts and scholars were also held to explore the significance and value of Confucius thought in contemporary society, and inject profound and lasting cultural force into promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

On February 14, Blanko Baron went to Mencius Research Institute for academic exchange. Baron and his delegation watched the propaganda film of Mencius Research Institute, learned more about the work carried out by the institute in academic research, international exchanges, inheritance and popularization. They also visitedhistorical and cultural sites such as the Meng Family Mansion, and the Temple of Mencius, and felt the profound heritage and unique charm of the excellent traditional Chinese culture.