Qufu - Confucius Temple 
The Confucius temple complex (22ha/54acres) was built in 478 BC, only one year after the death of the philosopher at the instigation of Duke Lu Aigong. The temple stands on the site of the house where Confucius was born. In the course of centuries the building has been repeatedly damaged, restored over 60 times and extended. The alterations finally ceased in the 18th C, and since then the building has remained unchanged.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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In 1994, UNESCO included the Confucius Temple in its list of World Heritage Sites.
The 1km/.5mi long and over 200m/218yd wide temple grounds, surrounded by cyprus trees, incorporate nine courtyards lined by groups of 466 buildings of various designs. Together with the Imperial Palace in Beijing and the Imperial Summer Palace in Chengde, the temple is one of the three outstanding creations of ancient Chinese architecture.
There is a defense tower on each of the four sides of the red curtain wall. The main buildings are arranged along a north-south axis, with the side buildings lying symmetrically next to them.
The Star Gate forms the main entrance and leads to the first courtyard with its decorative gates of the Ming period (1368-1644).
The second courtyard is entered by the Gate of the Omniscient (Sengsi Men) which also dates from the Ming period; this courtyard is guarded by two stone warriors of the Han period (206-220 BC), former grave goods. They stand 2.54m/8ft-2.30m/7ft high; one is armed with a sword, the other with a lance.
The core of the temple complex is entered through the Dazhong Men Gate.
The 1km/.5mi long and over 200m/218yd wide temple grounds, surrounded by cyprus trees, incorporate nine courtyards lined by groups of 466 buildings of various designs. Together with the Imperial Palace in Beijing and the Imperial Summer Palace in Chengde, the temple is one of the three outstanding creations of ancient Chinese architecture.
There is a defense tower on each of the four sides of the red curtain wall. The main buildings are arranged along a north-south axis, with the side buildings lying symmetrically next to them.
The Star Gate forms the main entrance and leads to the first courtyard with its decorative gates of the Ming period (1368-1644).
The second courtyard is entered by the Gate of the Omniscient (Sengsi Men) which also dates from the Ming period; this courtyard is guarded by two stone warriors of the Han period (206-220 BC), former grave goods. They stand 2.54m/8ft-2.30m/7ft high; one is armed with a sword, the other with a lance.
The core of the temple complex is entered through the Dazhong Men Gate.
Related Attractions
Apricot Altar
Through the Dacheng Men Gate the so-called Apricot Altar (Xintan), is situated. This was where Confucius taught his students, and a stone tablet dating from the 12th C can be seen on the altar. In 1569 a pavilion was erected around this historically important altar. The rectangular structure housing two steles has a two-tiered roof, covered in yellow ceramic tiles.
In front of the pavilion can be seen a stone censer dating from the Song period (960-1279).
In front of the pavilion can be seen a stone censer dating from the Song period (960-1279).
Hall of Great Achievements
The Hall of Great Achievements (Dacheng Dian) is 32m/105ft high, 34m/111ft long and 54m/177ft wide. It dates from the 11th C and is the main building of the complex. Here were held the ceremonies in honor of Confucius. Throughout the centuries it has been damaged several times, and in 1724 it was completely rebuilt. The hall, which stands on a 2m/6ft high terrace, has stone columns, dragon reliefs, and a yellow ceramic tiled roof. Apart from the statue of Confucius, statues of his sixteen pupils are also housed here. All the statues are made of painted earthenware.
Hall of Sleep
The Hall of Sleep (Qingdian), dating from 1019, is dedicated to the wife of Confucius. It was restored and extended in 1500 and completely rebuilt in 1730.
Hall of the Signs of the Wise Man
In the Hall of the Signs of the Wise Man (Shengji Dian) (1592) are 120 engravings in stone, portraying scenes from the life of Confucius; they were engraved by famous painters and calligraphers between the 8th C and the 13th C.
Old Fountain of Confucius
Apart from the main buildings the following monuments are of interest: Old Fountain of Confucius (Kongzhai Gujin) to the east of the Xintan, and the Red Lu Wall (Lu-Bi), where the works of Confucius were hidden when the Qin Emperor Shi Huangdi buried his followers alive and burnt all the master's writings. The Hall of Songs and Rites (Shili Tang) is supposed to commemorate the important teachings of Confucius. In the western part of the park is the Jinsi Tang Hall where are kept old musical instruments which were played at the ceremonies.
Pavilion of the Literary Star
The Pavilion of the Literary Star (Kuiwen Ge), erected in 1018, was rebuilt in 1191 and extended in 1500. Collections of handwriting by several emperors were once housed here. The structure is an outstanding example of traditional Chinese architecture.
Thirteen Pavilions of the Imperial Steles
The Thirteen Pavilions of the Imperial Steles (Shisan Yubei Ting) date from various eras. They contain 53 steles which were engraved by emperors.
Tongwen Men Gate
The Tongwen Men Gate leads into a courtyard with four imperial steles dating from the Ming period.
To the northeast and northwest of this are two guest houses which once offered hospitality to the people who carried out the ceremonies held in honor of Confucius.
To the northeast and northwest of this are two guest houses which once offered hospitality to the people who carried out the ceremonies held in honor of Confucius.
