Explore Confucianism in His Hometown: Qufu Day Tour
Highlights
• Explore the Confucius Temple which has been restored and expanded from dynasty to dynasty
• Check out the Confucius Mansion, built for Confucius’ direct descendants to work and live in
• Take a look at the Cemetery of Confucius, located north of the historic walled city of Qufu
• Relax with the convenience of an English-speaking local tour guide and a driver
• Enjoy plenty of photo opportunities
Destination: Qufu Tour type: Private Total duration for each tour: 9 hours Tour code: SD-1-02
Online booking
This tour takes you to the three most famous cultural sites of Confucius' hometown of Qufu, also known as San Kong. The sites include the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion.
Qufu is a city in the southwestern part of the Shandong Province with an urban population of about 60,000 people. The entire administrative region has about 650,000 inhabitants.
Qufu is best known as the hometown of Confucius, containing numerous historic palaces, temples and cemeteries. The three most famous cultural sites of the city, collectively known as San Kong, or 'The Three Confucian sites', are the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion. Together, these three sites have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.
Depending on whether you are coming into Qufu for just the day, or whether you are already staying there.
Or Kong Miao, as it is known in Chinese. The origins of the temple date back to the 5th Century B.C., as it was built shortly after Confucius’ death. In 478 B.C., Duke Ai of the state of Lu (in today's Shandong Province) built a temple honoring Confucius, who, at the time, was still largely unknown outside the province. By the 2nd Century B.C., the fame of Confucius had spread and the Han Emperor Wudi began offering sacrifices at this site in 205 B.C. The temple was expanded but subsequent generations of rulers, and for the next thousand years, untold numbers of buildings were built and torn down in many rounds of rebuilding.
After your visit to the temple, there will be time to taste some of the local cuisine, which your tour guide can help you understand.
Or Confucius’ Family Mansion. This is where both Confucius and his descendants allegedly lived for over 2,500 years. The yard boasts 466 rooms and myriad courtyards, most of which are off-limits to tourists, but there are enough open to give you a general idea of the grandeur of the place.
Which is where the Kong clan is all buried, as well as some of Confucius’ disciples. Construction on this cemetery was begun in 1331, but in total there have been 13 different renovations and extensions. By the late 18th century, the perimeter wall reached a length of 7.5 kilometers, enclosing an area of 3.6 square kilometers. The oldest graves found here date back to the Zhou Dynasty.
After your visit here, we will take you back to your hotel or to the train station depending on whether you are staying in Qufu or moving on.
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