Qufu, Hometown of Confucius 曲阜三孔Qūfù Sān Kǒng

Why go to Qufu, Hometown of Confucius

Qufu was the hometown of Confucius, and its three great sites, the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion and the Cemetery of Confucius, form one of China's grandest historic ensembles. The temple's halls rival an imperial palace in scale, while the cemetery north of town is a peaceful forest of ancient trees, stone figures and tombs.

The story

Confucius's descendants lived on in Qufu for more than two thousand years, and their family tree, now past 80 generations, is often cited as the longest recorded pedigree in the world. The sage himself, who died some 2,500 years ago, lies in the family cemetery.

What to see at Qufu, Hometown of Confucius

• Lingxing Gate and Kuiwen Pavilion 棂星门与奎文阁: The first gate of the Temple of Confucius leads through pine-shaded courtyards to the Kuiwen Pavilion, first built in 1018.
• Thirteen Stele Pavilions 十三御碑亭: Imperial tablets stand on giant stone tortoises in pavilions, recording honours given to Confucius by emperors of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Dacheng Hall and Apricot Platform 大成殿与杏坛: The Dacheng Hall, nearly 32 m tall, has dragon-carved stone pillars on its front; the Apricot Platform in front commemorates Confucius teaching under an apricot tree.
• Kong Family Mansion 孔府: The residence of Confucius's direct descendants has more than 450 rooms and a garden at the back; some halls may be closed for repair.
• Cemetery of Confucius 孔林: A forest of old trees, stone figures and tombs a short ride north of town, where Confucius and his descendants lie.
• Temple of Yan Hui 颜庙: A quieter Ming and Qing temple to Confucius's favourite disciple, with 24 buildings from the Yuan, Ming and Qing periods, a short ride from the temple of Confucius.

How to visit Qufu, Hometown of Confucius

Most visitors go in order: the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion beside it, then the Cemetery to the north, linked by a city bus, electric cart or bicycle. Allow three hours for the temple and mansion and an hour for the cemetery; a full day adds the Temple of Yan Hui. Nishan, about 30 km away, is a separate half-day.

How to get to Qufu, Hometown of Confucius

Qufu East station is on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed line, about two hours from Beijing; a bus or taxi takes around 20 minutes to the old walled town.

Where to stay

Stay in Qufu old town, which is within walking distance or a short ride of the temple, mansion and cemetery, rather than near the high-speed station, which is some way out of town.

What to eat

• Qufu jianbing 曲阜煎饼: A thin griddled pancake, a daily staple in Qufu, often rolled with peanuts, sesame and spring onion.
• Kong Family smoked tofu 孔府熏豆腐: Smoked bean curd, one of Qufu's best-known local dishes and a favourite on visitor menus.
• Kong Family cuisine 孔府菜: Qufu's banquet cooking, developed over centuries by Confucius's descendants and listed as national intangible heritage in 2010.

Tips for visiting Qufu, Hometown of Confucius

• Buy the combined ticket for all three sites.
• Ride an electric cart or rent a bike to reach the cemetery, which lies just north of the old town.
• Late September brings ceremonies marking Confucius's birthday.

Nearby

• Mount Tai 泰山 70 km
  China's most sacred peak, climbed by emperors and by night hikers chasing sunrise

Also within 30 km: Former Qufu Normal School 曲阜师范学校旧址 (under 10 km), Temple of Yan Hui 颜庙 (under 10 km), Temple of Duke Zhou, Qufu 周公庙 (under 10 km), Lu State Ancient City Archaeological Park, Qufu 曲阜鲁国故城 (under 10 km), Confucius Six Arts City 孔子六艺城 (under 10 km), Mausoleum of Shaohao 少昊陵 (under 10 km).

On the map

Open Qufu, Hometown of Confucius on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.

Learn more

• Wikipedia
• Wikipedia (Chinese)