Location: Qufu
Top Things to do in Qufu
Top Restaurants in Qufu
What to do and see in Qufu, China: The Best Places and Tips
Qufu (pronounced [tɕʰý.fû]; Chinese: 曲阜) is a city in southwestern Shandong Province, near the eastern coast of China. It is located about 130 kilometres (81 mi) south of the provincial capital Jinan and 45 kilometres (28 mi) northeast of the prefectural seat at Jining. Qufu has an urban population of about 60,000, and the entire administrative region has about 650,000 inhabitants.
Restaurants in Qufu
1. Confucius Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 216 reviews
A grand complex of monuments and buildings in the hometown of the great philosopher and educator.
Reviewed By FYL003 - Chicago, Illinois
Most buildings were rebuilt due to fire damages, not original. Some trees were very old, over thousands of years. Stone tablets inscribed with emperors' handwritings were unique. The carved columns with dragon motifs are truly a work of art. The color of the thousand year old wall painting depicting the procession of the emperor was still vivid and colorful. These are the major highlights besides being the location to commemorate Confucius. Highly recommend to hire a guide to go through this site to get the most value out of the visit.
2. Kong Forest
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I thought this was the most interesting part of the Qufu "3 Kongs" tour, although it's a bit hard on the feet. You can take a bus or hitch a rickshaw (or even a horse & cart) from walled city out to the forest, which is about 1500m north. But it's a relatively straightforward walk, too. Just remember if you do go on foot, that the park itself is vast and there'll be two hours or more of walking once you get inside. However, motorized carts are available to whizz you around the forest, but they don't stop, so you won't get close up to anything. The smooth paths follows a large ring through the forest and there are maps and signs as you go to direct you to the most significant burial sites. I travelled on the loop from East to West and it does get more interesting, more spooky and more realistic as you reach the west. The east has clearly been tidied up quite a bit. When you get back to the main gate, there is the complex that houses Confucius' own tomb, which you will need to do on foot regardless. This was naturally the busiest part of the forest and has the most to see. Even though it was a very hot day, I found the stroll through the shaded park extremely cool and tranquil. Well worth doing on foot.
3. Kong Mansion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By LG_Kay - Singapore, Singapore
This family mansion is where the descendants of Confucius once lived. It is now a museum and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is rather huge, with many halls and pavilions, some of them being converted as shops. There are short Chinese and English explanation posted at each hall/pavilion.
I must admit the architecture design all look the same. For some, it may be a great place to appreciate Chinese history and Confucianism. For me, I am basically lost in this huge complex. Need a guide to appreciate the details.
4. Minggu City(Sankong)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Amy R - Bilston, United Kingdom
Though Confucius has influenced Chinese society for centuries, the visit to his tomb and the benefits he brought to his decendents were quite an irony. Better to read about him before the visit, and the guide could tell you more about it. It would be nicer if there were not many people, so the visit could be mixed with some space for personal thought.
5. Former Residence of Confucius in Qufu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By ColingUnther - Melbourne, Australia
seeing the very basis of Chinese culture is inspiring, the preservation of the entire area is grey. we were lucky to see an enactment ceremony of Confuscius presented to the emperor . just the experience to see the buildings and then realise to the age of them makes one feel inspired.
6. Confucius' Parents' Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By PhoenisSunDog - Chesterfield, Michigan
This was a big surprise of how much is here. Beautiful grounds and more than just a cemetery
7. Qufu Yan Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By ColingUnther - Melbourne, Australia
was lucky to see the reenactment here of Confucius and the honours bestowed on him, amazingly detailed. lovely Gardens and well preserved/ the town itself is quite enjoyable, and the people quite friendly, easy to get around and no issues with food. a bit out of the way but worth the effort
8. Qufu Dacheng Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The Dacheng Hall is the main temple inside the Confucius Temple complex and can't be visited separately. You'll either need to buy the '3 Kong' ticket or the single ticket just for the Confucius Temple. Alas, although Dacheng Hall is the highlight of the complex, the doors are open, yet you cannot enter. Thus you'll be crammed in, jockeying for position with 00's of other visitors, all jamming their cameras through the doorway trying to get some sort of shot of the temple inside. Keep trying. It's worth seeing.
9. Qufu Shouqiu Scenic Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Jarko2015 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Qufu is a little off the main path and I didn't meet any other tourists from overseas who'd been there, were going there or had even heard of it, but it's well worth seeing. It's only about a 2.5 hour high speed train journey from Beijing and there are many good hotels. The Confucius Temple complex is the second largest single building after the Forbidden City and well worth seeing. The wall of the ancient city is completely intact (although clearly rebuilt) and taking a stroll around the outside is a very nice activity once you've seen all the attractions inside. The only disappointment is that you can't enter any of the main gates or go to the top of the wall to walk. Definitely don't miss Qufu. It's a great attraction.
10. Shimen Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By A TripAdvisor China Member
很好！天然氧吧！加上美丽乡村的好环境让精神上放松，好好呼吸山中的空气、好清新！如果骑车去效果更好一些吧！能够露宿树林中，感受一下。好期盼！乡村朴素的好客人家，美丽的村貌，优美的环境。
