short list of the itinerary

short list of the itinerary: 
• Departure time: depends on train times before 8:30 am 
• Confucius Temple and Mansion 
• Kong Miao 
• Kong Family Mansion 
Highlights:
• Experience China’s high-speed trains, one of the more incredible technological feats
• Visit the Confucius Temple in Confucius’ hometown
• Climb Mount Tai, the mountain spanning both Tai’an City
• Be taken around in a private and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly and professional driver in Qufu and Taian
• Relax with your private and local English-speaking guide (not in Beijing)
• Small group
Note: the above time is estimated, the real time needs to depend on local road conditions.

Day 1: Train to Qufu and Confucius Temple and Mansion

A day before your tour starts, we will give you your train tickets. On the day itself, you’ll have to make your own way to the Beijing South Station and board the high-speed train to Qufu. The train journey will take three hours, during which you’ll be able to see the Shanghai landscape disappearing, as the train slides into the countryside.
Upon your arrival at Qufu, you will meet your local tour guide and transfer to visit the Confucius Temple, 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 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.

Following lunch, you will visit the Kong Family Mansion, or Confucius’ Family Mansion. This is where both Confucius and his descendants lived for over 2,500 years, allegedly. 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. After your visit here we will take you back to your hotel.

Day 2: Qufu-Tai’an

On the second day, you’ll meet your guide to transfer to Tai’an, in order to visit Mount Tai. This sacred mountain was the object of an imperial cult for nearly 2,000 years, and the masterpieces found here are in perfect harmony with the natural landscape. As a result, it is known as one of the five most revered sacred mountains of the country, symbolizing peaceful life and a unified country.

The mountain itself has always been a source of inspiration for both Chinese artists and scholars, and symbolizes ancient Chinese civilizations and beliefs. An AAAAA attraction, this is one of the top 10 best national tourist sights in China. You’ll be able to see and enjoy this by yourself as you take in the sights. Be sure to take plenty of photos!
Lunch at the local restaurant

Following your visit, your guide and driver will take you back to the train station to take the train back to Beijing.