CITY · SHANDONG
Qufu
曲阜 · Qūfù
Overview
Confucius's hometown in southwestern Shandong. The Confucius Temple, Confucius Family Mansion, and Confucius Forest — collectively UNESCO-listed.
Qufu was the capital of the state of Lu in the Spring and Autumn period, when Confucius (551–479 BCE) was born and taught here. The three sites — the Confucius Temple (a 12-courtyard ritual complex), the Kong Family Mansion (the residence of Confucius's descendants for 77 generations) and the Confucius Forest (the Kong family burial ground, with Confucius's own tomb and 100,000+ descendants buried in 200 hectares) — are collectively UNESCO-listed and represent the single deepest concentration of Confucian heritage in the world. The town is small and walkable.
What to see
- Confucius Temple (UNESCO)
- Kong Family Mansion (UNESCO)
- Confucius Forest (UNESCO)
- Yan Temple
What to eat
- Lu (Shandong) cuisine
- Confucius family banquet (set menu at the Mansion restaurants)
Getting there
No airport. Qufu East HSR: Beijing 2h, Shanghai 3h, Jinan 35 min.
Getting around
Walking the small old town.
Where to stay
Old town, around the Confucius Temple.
We list neighbourhoods, not specific hotels — we don't endorse hotels.
When to go
April–May, September–October. The Confucius birthday celebration in late September draws crowds.
Budget guide (CNY per day)
| Backpacker | ¥220 |
| Mid-range | ¥480 |
| Comfortable | ¥1100 |
Itineraries visiting Qufu
- Confucius and Mencius Pilgrimage — Qufu and Zoucheng, 4 days
4d · A dedicated Confucian pilgrimage: two days at the Qufu UNESCO complex, a half-day at Mencius's birthplace Zoucheng, and an ascent of Mount Tai to visit its Confucian inscription steles.
- Shandong Classic — Qufu and Mount Tai, 5 days
5d · The most essential Shandong circuit: Confucius's hometown Qufu, the sacred summit of Mount Tai, and a half-day in Qingdao. Suitable as an add-on from Beijing or Shanghai.
- Shandong Coastal Loop — Jinan to Qingdao, 7 days
7d · Shandong's coast, sacred mountain and Confucian heartland in one loop: Jinan springs, Confucius's birthplace Qufu, Mount Tai sunrise, and the German-flavoured port city of Qingdao.
Food of Eastern China
- Beggar's Chicken叫花鸡
A whole chicken stuffed with aromatics, wrapped in lotus leaves and clay, then slow-baked until the meat steams in its own juices.
- Beggar's Chicken — Jiaohuaji叫花鸡 (江苏式)
A Jiangsu-province variation of clay-baked chicken with a lotus-leaf wrap and a mushroom and pork stuffing.
- Dragon Well Tea龙井茶
China's most celebrated green tea — pan-fired flat leaves from Hangzhou's West Lake district with a sweet, chestnut flavour.
- Drunken Chicken醉鸡
Chicken steamed and marinated in Shaoxing rice wine, served chilled. A Shanghai banquet starter.
Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction.
Research
Cross-checked against primary sources
Verified
Address, hours, fees confirmed at the date shown
Updated
Re-verified periodically; corrections welcome