Qufu

Qufu, located in northern Jining in Shandong Province, is about 150 km from Jinan and 400 km from Qingdao. Best known as the Hometown of Confucius, it is revered as the cradle of Confucian culture and is often called the holy "Oriental Jerusalem." The city is not only significant for being the birthplace of Confucius but also as the site of important historical landmarks such as the Temple of Confucius, Kong Family Mansion, and Confucius Cemetery, all of which are UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

Highlights

• San Kong: San Kong (三孔; "the Three Confucian sites") are the Temple of Confucius (Chinese: 孔庙; pinyin: Kǒngmiào), the Cemetery of Confucius (孔林; Kǒnglín), and the Kong Family Mansion (孔府; Kǒngfǔ). They were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
• International Confucius Culture Festival: It is one of the 14 grand tourist festivals in China. The festival combines Confucius worshipping with the activities of culture, tourism, systematic learning, entertainment, trade and international communication.
• Confucian Mansion Feast: It is an important part of the Han Chinese diet culture. Visitors are recommended to feel the local culture from its cuisine. The feast is a special and unique one.

Why Visit Qufu?

Hometown of Confucius & UNESCO Heritage Sites

Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius, the influential philosopher and founder of Confucianism. The city is home to the Three Confucius Sites: the Temple of Confucius, Kong Family Mansion, and Confucius Cemetery, which are recognized by UNESCO for their historical and cultural significance. These sites allow visitors to connect deeply with Confucius’ life, teachings, and cultural legacy.

Long-standing Ancient Civilization

Qufu is not only the home of Confucius but also a site of ancient civilizations. Dawenkou Culture and Longshan Culture evidence dates back to 4,300 BC to 2,400 BC, indicating early human settlements. It is also the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor, marking Qufu as an important center of ancient Chinese civilization.

Profound Ritual Culture of Lu State

Qufu is rich in ritual culture, the cornerstone of Confucianism. The city's ancient architecture and dining culture reflect the Rite system, which emphasizes moral conduct and etiquette. The Rite of Zhou, written by Duke Wen of Lu State, established the framework for ceremonies, including sacrifice, funeral rites, music, and social life. Visitors can immerse themselves in these rituals at various Confucian sites in Qufu.

Rich Cultural Relics

Qufu boasts over 196 key cultural relics and numerous ancient structures dating back to the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These include 5,000+ stele inscriptions, 1,300 ancient buildings, and more than 100,000 ancient tombs. These treasures offer an invaluable window into Confucius' time and the city’s rich cultural history.

Exquisite Kongfu Banquet

The Kongfu Banquet, originating in the 3rd century BC, is a refined feast featuring high-quality ingredients and sophisticated cooking methods. Recognized by UNESCO as part of Shandong Cuisine, this banquet is a cultural experience that reflects Confucius' dietary philosophy. It was even featured as the State Banquet during the 2018 SCO Summit.