Ming Ancient City of Qufu (Three Confucian Sites) Tourism Area, Jining

Spot Facts

1. Confucius Temple

   Start · Entrance

   Pass through the Wànrèn Gongqiáng wall into the Temple of Confucius: nine courtyards lead deeper and deeper, the Dacheng Hall's "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" plaque and twenty-eight dragon pillars are magnificent, and the Apricot Altar is where Confucius taught. About 1.5 hours. Why this route: The Temple of Confucius is China's largest temple for worshipping Confucius.
2. Dacheng Hall

   about 170 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
3. Apricot Platform

   about 200 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
4. Dacheng Hall

   about 200 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
5. Kong Mansion

   about 170 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Visit the Confucius Mansion (Duke Yansheng's Residence): a Ming official residence with a rear garden; the Grand Hall and Second Hall handled clan affairs, and the deep courtyards embody Confucian ritual at every turn. About 1 hour. Why this route: see the grandeur and daily life of the "First Family Under Heaven."
6. Kong Forest

   about 2640 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Take the shuttle to the Confucius Forest: the family cemetery of Confucius and his descendants, with ancient cypresses and a forest of steles; stroll among the trees to feel a thousand years of cultural heritage. About 1 hour. Why this route: the Confucius Forest is the largest family cemetery, with a unique atmosphere of ancient trees and inscriptions.

Things to Note