Nishan Mountain

30km/18mi to the southwest of Qufu rises the Nishan Mountain. On its eastern slope stands a 10th C Confucius temple. Behind the temple lies the well-known Grotto of Confucius (Kongzi Don).

According to tradition Confucius was born in a nearby village and brought here soon after his birth by his father, who abandoned him at the foot of the Nishan because he was so ugly. A tigress brought him to this grotto and nursed him day and night until the repentant parents returned to collect their child.