Qufu Travel Guide

Qufu Facts

Chinese Name: 曲阜 (qū fù)
Population: 649,900
Area: 815 square kilometers (315 square miles)
Location: in the southwest of Shandong Province, east China
Area Code: 0537
Zip Code: 273100
GDP (2019): CNY 35.506 billion (USD 5.147 billion)

The Birthplace of Confucius Famed as East Jerusalem

Situated in the southwest of Shandong Province, Qufu is the birthplace of famous Confucius (551BC – 479BC). It is 160 kilometers (99 miles) from the capital of Shandong, Jinan, and 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Jining.

Confucius was born in Qufu and famous as one of the greatest philosophers in the world and the founder of Chinese Confucianism. In the long history of more than 2,000 years, Confucianism has gradually become the orthodox culture of China and has influenced countries in East and Southeast Asia. Most of Qufu's scenic spots are related to Confucius and Confucian culture with the Qufu Confucius Temple, Confucius Family Mansion and Cemetery as the highlights. The three sites were listed as World Cultural Heritage sites by UNESCO. The Confucius Temple is one of the three ancient buildings in China while there are a large number of historical relics of different dynasties in the Confucius Mansion.

Attractions

Qufu is a place that is able to create delicacies. In the Chinese ancient times, the local Confucius Family Feast originating from the Confucius Family Mansion became quite well-known. It's said that the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796) paid a visit here and, while there the cooks of the Confucius Family Mansion made a Confucius Family Feast for him. After the emperor participated in the feast, he was very pleased and satisfied.

Qufu Confucius Temple

Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery

Confucius Six Arts City & Yan Temple

Confucius Temple

Confucius Mausoleum

How to Get to Qufu

Passengers can take a flight to Jinan oir Jining first, then change to buses to Jining. The land transportation is very convenient in the city. Several expressways cross it and it's not far from Jinan and Jining. So it's not difficult to get there. And the urban traffic here is also convenient. You can take a city-bus or taxi to get around. The city is not big and most attractions are very close. You will not spend much time and money visiting them.

Through the above introduction, maybe you have learnt something about this city. China is a country influenced by Confucianism. If you want to have a deep understanding of China, you should pay a visit.

Recommended Qufu Tour

Jinan - Qufu -Mt. Tai: 4 days Shandong tour from Jinan to the hometown of Confucius and Mt. Tai

Weather

Qufu Travel Tips

History: Qufu was the capital of the kingdom, Lu, in the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC) and is the hometown of the great Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius. Most visitors go there in order to see the places where Confucius lived, studied and was buried. There aren't any high buildings in the city, since the local people don't allow their buildings to exceed the height of the Dacheng Hall (81 feet) which the main hall of the Temple of Confucius. In this way, they show their respect for this great person.

Local Highlights: It is a city of great character. One fifth of its residents have the surname Kong and they are all Confucius' descendants. Meanwhile, it's a rich productive city. The local special product Qufu rice, it's very famous in China. Also there are many different kinds of handicrafts and each of them is highly appreciated.

Further Reading:
Dining

- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 by Brenda Lian -