This article introduces the 20th anniversary celebration of Confucius Institutes, reviews the 20-year development process of Confucius Institutes, analyzes the research progress of Confucius Institutes, explores the inspiration of digital teaching in the French speaking alliance for Confucius Institutes, describes the current situation of "Chinese+vocational skills" education in African Confucius Institutes, and proposes optimization paths. These studies emphasize the unique role of Confucius Institutes in language teaching, cultural dissemination, and cultural exchange between China and foreign countries, providing theoretical basis and intellectual support for the sustainable development of Confucius Institutes.