SCENES & SIGHT

Qufu

Qufu is another famous historical and cultural city of China. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Qufu was the capital of the state of Lu, and the native place of Confucius, a celebrated thinker and educator and the father of Confucianism. Chinese rulers and scholars of various dynasties held Confucius in high esteem, and the Confucian temple, mansion and graveyard were built in Qufu as a result, which are now on the UNESCO'S list of world cultural heritage sites. Confucian Temple, where libations and sacrifices were offered to Confucius, is a complex of tall and elegant buildings. Confucian Mansion, where the thinker's scions resided and ran official business, is another giant courtyard with 463 halls, chambers and rooms. Confucian Graveyard, where the remains of Confucius and those of his descendents are buried, is a 200-hectare affair planted with more than 100,000 ancient trees. When visiting Qufu, don't miss the chance of tasting the dishes prepared in the Confucian kitchen. The classical concerts and dances staged nightly at Qufu's Queli Guesthouse are worth seeing for their authentic Spring and Autumn and Warring States styles. Qufu can be reached by bus from Jinan and Taishan.