Qufu, located in Shandong Province, is the birthplace of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. Although Confucius lived over two thousand years ago, the Confucian philosophy he founded has had a lasting and profound impact on Chinese civilization. In 1994, the “Three Confucian Sites” in Qufu -Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion - were listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Historically, Qufu was the capital of the ancient State of Lu and the hometown of Confucius. Collectively known as the “Three Confucian Sites”, these landmarks are of great historical and cultural significance. The Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao) was originally the residence of Confucius. Today, it has a history of over 2,400 years and is recognized as one of the three largest ancient architectural complexes in China. The Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu), located adjacent to the temple, served as the residence of Confucius’s direct descendants. The Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin) is the burial site of Confucius and his descendants. It is currently China’s family cemetery with the longest continuous history, the largest area, and the most well-preserved condition.

Recommended Itineraries

Itinerary 1: Classic One-Day Tour of Confucius’s Hometown

Three Confucian Sites + The Temple of Yan Hui + Xixiao Ancient and Modern Education Museum + Liaohe Ancient Street

The Three Confucian Sites are rich in cultural heritage and historical significance, making them the primary destination for visitors seeking to pay respects to Confucius or study Confucianism.

The Temple of Yan Hui (Yan Miao) is a temple dedicated to Confucius’s most esteemed disciple, Yan Hui.

Xixiao Ancient and Modern Education Museum houses a vast collection of precious educational artifacts.

Liaohe Ancient Street is beautifully illuminated at night. Visitors can enjoy an immersive light and shadow show, “A Long-Awaited Journey in Qufu”, while taking a scenic boat cruise along the Liao River.

Itinerary 2: Classic Two-Day Tour of Confucius’s Hometown

Day 1: Three Confucian Sites + The Temple of Yan Hui + Xixiao Ancient and Modern Education Museum + Liaohe Ancient Street

Day 2: The Temple of Duke Zhou (Qufu Lu State Ancient City National Archaeological Site Park) + Confucius Museum + Nishan Confucian Temple and Nishan Academy + Nishan Sacred Land

Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient State of Lu, uncover the secrets of Confucius at the museum, pay homage at the birthplace of Confucius at Nishan Temple and Academy, and immerse themselves in the spiritual environment of Nishan Sacred Land.

Itinerary 3: Classic Three-Day Tour of Confucius’s Hometown

Day 1: Three Confucian Sites + The Temple of Yan Hui + Xixiao Ancient and Modern Education Museum + Liaohe Ancient Street

Day 2: The Temple of Duke Zhou (Qufu Lu State Ancient City National Archaeological Site Park) + Confucius Museum + Nishan Temple and Nishan Academy + Nishan Sacred Land

Day 3: Shimen Mountain + Jiuxian Mountain + Snail Valley + Yile Family Fun Center

Climbing Shimen Mountain and Jiuxian Mountain allows visitors to admire the breathtaking autumn scenery and reflect on the region’s rich history. In Snail Valley, they can breathe in the fresh, invigorating air, while at Yile Family Fun Center, visitors can relax and enjoy a tranquil, leisurely countryside retreat.

Ticket Information

Three Confucian Sites (Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu)

Address: No.18 Gulou Street, Qufu City (Qufu Minggucheng (Three Confucius Sites) Tourist Area)

Ticket Prices:

The Temple of Confucius: RMB 80

The Kong Family Mansion: RMB 60

The Cemetery of Confucius: RMB 10

Three-Site Combined Ticket: RMB 140

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)