The Three Confucian Sites are located in Qufu City, Jining, Shandong Province. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national 5A-level tourist attraction, it consists of the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion, and the Cemetery of Confucius, covering approximately 3.5 square kilometers. These sites are sacred places commemorating Confucius and promoting Confucianism throughout Chinese history, representing one of China's largest surviving ancient architectural complexes.
History and Culture
With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Confucius (551-479 BC) was a great ancient Chinese philosopher and educator, founder of Confucianism. Since the Han Dynasty, successive emperors expanded the Temple and Mansion to demonstrate reverence for Confucius, forming today's magnificent architectural complex.
The Temple of Confucius was first built in 478 BC, the year after Confucius' death, originally just a small temple converted from his former residence. After continuous expansions, it now covers about 160,000 square meters with nine courtyards and over 460 buildings, ranking alongside the Forbidden City and Chengde Mountain Resort as China's three great ancient architectural complexes.
The Kong Family Mansion, residence of Confucius' direct descendants titled "Duke Yansheng", was first built in the Song Dynasty, with most existing structures dating to Ming and Qing periods. Covering 75,000 square meters with 480 halls and rooms, it's China's largest and best-preserved aristocratic mansion.
Main Attractions
Temple of Confucius
The temple for worshipping Confucius features main structures like Lingxing Gate, Shengshi Gate, Hongdao Gate, and Dacheng Hall. Dacheng Hall, the principal building standing 24.8m tall, 45.78m wide and 24.89m deep with double-eaved roof and yellow glazed tiles, is ranked among the East's Three Great Halls with the Forbidden City's Hall of Supreme Harmony and Dai Temple's Tiankuang Hall.
Kong Family Mansion
Also called Duke Yansheng Mansion, it was the residence of Confucius' direct descendants. Main buildings include Chongguang Gate, Great Hall, Second Hall, Third Hall, and inner residences. Preserving numerous cultural relics like Ming-Qing costumes, furniture, and paintings, it showcases the life of successive Duke Yanshengs.
Cemetery of Confucius
The Confucius family cemetery covers about 2 million square meters with over 100,000 tombs, 4,000 stone tablets, and 40,000 ancient trees. With towering old trees and numerous steles, it's China's largest, longest-used, and best-preserved family cemetery.
Analects Stone Forest
This collection features 512 stone tablets inscribed with the complete Analects by contemporary calligraphy masters, forming China's largest Analects stone forest, showcasing the cultural charm of the Analects and calligraphic art.
Cuisine
Kong Family Banquet
A traditional banquet originating from the mansion, emphasizing "no limit to refinement in food, no limit to thinness in slicing", with exquisite dishes carrying profound meanings. Signature dishes include Gingko with Poetry and Ritual, Supreme Tofu, and Taking Son to Court.
Qufu Pancake
A local specialty - paper-thin pancakes eaten rolled with scallions and sauce or various dishes, crispy and delicious.
Kong Family Pastries
Traditionally made pastries like Kong Family Crisp and Sacred Mansion Cake, beautifully shaped with delicate texture, ideal as gifts.
Ticket Information
Three Sites combo ticket: ¥140/person (including Temple, Mansion and Cemetery); Single tickets: Temple ¥90, Mansion ¥60, Cemetery ¥40. Seniors over 60 and students enjoy half-price with valid ID; children under 1.4m free. Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 (extended to 18:00 in peak season).
Recommended Routes
Classic one-day route: Temple (2-3h) → Mansion (1-2h) → Cemetery (1-2h). Suggested to visit Temple and Mansion in the morning, Cemetery in the afternoon.
In-depth two-day route: Day1 Temple (detailed visit) → Mansion → Analects Stone Forest; Day2 Cemetery → Six Arts City → Confucius Research Institute. This route offers deeper understanding of Confucian culture.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Qufu East Station, take bus K01 directly to sites
- Air: Nearest airport Jining Qufu Airport, with shuttle buses to Qufu
- Bus: Take city buses No.1, 2, or 5 in Qufu downtown
- Drive: Exit at Qufu on Beijing-Taipei Expressway, ~15 minutes along Jingxuan East Road
Must-See Attractions
- Dacheng Hall: One of East's Three Great Halls, experience Confucian solemnity
- Chongguang Gate: Learn historical changes of Duke Yansheng Mansion
- Confucius Tomb: Pay respects at the sage's resting place
- Analects Stone Forest: Appreciate perfect blend of contemporary calligraphy and Confucian classics
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn, avoiding summer heat
- Consider hiring a guide for deeper Confucian cultural insights
- Wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking
- Take electric carts in vast Cemetery area
- Arrive before 8am to watch Temple opening ceremony
Important Notes
- Don't touch buildings and relics in Temple and Mansion
- Maintain solemnity in Cemetery as it's a burial ground
- No smoking in sites for fire safety
- Protect ancient trees - no climbing or breaking branches
- Secure belongings during peak seasons with crowds