If you’re into Chinese culture and history, Qufu is such a fascinating city to visit for you. A great place to see how Confucianism has brought influence to many aspects of Chinese culture, in manners which are as yet evident up to this time.
Qufu has long been a significant site for pilgrims and tourists who come and visit the tomb, the temples, and the other surviving memories of China’s most noteworthy sage. The whole complex, both inside and outside the temple fenced in, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
The name Qufu signifies “crooked hill,” and alludes to a mile-long hill that was part of the city during its time as the capital of the territory of Lu. Specifically, it is situated at 35° 36′ northern latitude and 117°02′ east. Around 130 km south of the provincial capital Jinan and 45 km northeast of the sub-provincial city Jininga and it covers an entire area of 896 sq km. Confucianism is it’s local feature as it was popularly known as the birthplace of its founder, Confucius (Kongzi), also known as the “sacred master of literature.”
Confucianism, which is accepted to be a way of thinking or philosophy instead of a religion, was a progression of codes for China’s population to follow. As they hope that standing to such lead would bring about a population living harmoniously under the traditional Chinese system, a feudal system of philanthropic tyranny.
As to where the great Confucius was born, Qufu will always have a special place in the hearts of the Chinese and is viewed as probably the holiest city in China. The significance of the city can be found in its magnificent imperial architecture which is truly stunning and which some put on a standard with the Forbidden City. Every year, Qufu has always been hosting two fairs, one happens in Springtime, the other in Autumn yet the city’s most significant date is 28th September which is Confucius’ birthday and along these lines, set apart with ceremony and appropriate pomp.
In 1724, the Great Temple of Confucius was built in the town. Inside the enormous ceremonial hall of the temple, a huge statue of Confucius is placed, and it was surrounded by statues of his disciples. The temple covers around 49 sections of land (20 hectares), around which the town of Qufu extended.
Inside the enclosure is a broad complex of Confucian temples, places of worship, pavilions, and monuments. The walled-in area contains a house that remains on the site of the one Confucius lived in, an ancient tree is being said to have been planted by the sage, and a well from which Confucius had drunk.
Inside the town of Qufu yet lying outside the temple fenced-in area is a detailed complex of buildings that was the residence of Confucius’ descendants, the Kong family. During that time, the Kongs were the gatekeepers of the temple complex and the heads of the town of Qufu; the 76th lineal descendants of Confucius lived in the town before World War II. Lying outside the north gate of the temple enclosure is the family graveyard of the Kongs, which contains the burial place of Confucius.
Several major cultural sites in the city are entirely connected with Confucius, for instance, the three sites of the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion. In 1948, it is also recorded that Qufu had played a minor role in the Yanzhou Campaign of the Chinese Communists.
Additionally, Qufu was where Confucius gave his lectures as well as disseminated his thoughts, where he taught his students, who were later to spread his at first minimally respected ideas, and where he was to die. It is also where Confucius’ most notable disciple, Mencius (Mengzi), was born.
Most of the visitors go there to see the spots where Confucius lived, studied, and was buried after his death. There aren’t any high structures in the city, since the neighborhood individuals don’t permit their structures to surpass the stature of the Dacheng Hall (81 feet) which is the primary hall of the Temple of Confucius. Along these lines, they show their respect for this great person.
Furthermore, it is a city of such great character. One-fifth of its residents have the family name Kong and they are largely Confucius’ descendants. Then, it’s a rich productive city. The local special product Qufu rice is renowned in China. Likewise, there is a wide range of sorts of handiworks and every one of them is profoundly valued.
In the new era, the people of Qufu have made an extraordinary blueprint for the economy and improvement of it’s society. The primary point is that tourism is the head, business is the center, and agriculture is the base, etc. To put it simply, the objective is to make Qufu to turn into a noteworthy and historical-cultural city, a lovely city of tourism, the Confucian cultural place and center in the entire world.
On the off chance that you are interested when it comes to Chinese culture and history, or if you want to further discover the existence and wisdom of ancient Oriental sages, Qufu is definitely a must-visit city and must be added on your next travel destination.
Or if ever you want to try the inexpensive food they offer, good for your lunch or dinner, such as the Kong Fu Jia Yan Tang on Kong Miao Dong Jie, which really provides good Confucian food. Just check out foods like the shenxian yazi (fairy duck) and shili yinxing (sweet “poem” gingko). You can also order for half portions, which makes it ideal if ever you’re visiting the site alone or with your loved ones. You can also try the variety of snacks offered in a lively night market in Wumaci Jie, including roasted nuts, kebabs, and bean curd.
Best time to visit in Qufu
The best and ideal time to visit Qufu is the point at which the Confucius Festival is held. During that period, guests will see a lot of celebrations and even get the chance to join in activities such as local dishes appreciation competition, dancing performance, and many more. A visit to the hometown of Confucius Qufu is remembered for practically almost featuring tourists packages to Shandong Province.
Qufu’s highest tourism season is in the month of June and September, in which there are a lot of tourists and visitors who wander around the place.
How to Get to Qufu
Travelers or visitors can take a trip to Jinan oir Jining first, at that point, you can change buses to Jining. Land transportation is very much convenient in the city. A few expressways cross it and it is not a long way from Jinan and Jining. So it will not be difficult to arrive at this wonderful site.
What’s more, urban traffic here is likewise convenient. You can take a taxi or city-bus to get around. The city isn’t huge and most attractions are exceptionally close. You won’t spend so much energy and money visiting them.
Perhaps, you’ve learnt something about this famous city from the above brief introduction. China is a country that is greatly influenced by Confucianism. As said, if you want to have a deeper understanding of China’s culture, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to this beautiful country.
