Confucius Cemetery

» Qufu, Shan Dong

Confucius Cemetery Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

The tombs of Confucius and most of his descendants are located here. More than 7 kilometers in perimeter, the graveyard boasts the pine and cypress forest of over 22,000 ancient tree, which were planted by the Confucius's students and descendants, 40,000 plus of various types were added since 1949.

Qufu and Confucius

Confucius (551 B.C. - 479 B.C.), the world famous Chinese philosopher, born in Qufu, Shandong Province more than 2,500 years ago, has greatly influenced Chinese society with his ideas passed from generations to generations, till today. The feudal rulers of subsequent dynasties used Confucianism as a moral standard to consolidate theirs rule and constructed the town Qufu. The result is a remarkable group of ancient buildings with valuable art treasures. In 1994, the Kong Family Mansion, the Cemetery of Confucius and the Temple of Confucius were listed as World Cultural Heritage buildings.

The Confucian Cemetery, occupying more than 200 hectares, has served as the family graveyard of Confucius and his descendants for more than 2,300 years.

How it became the longest-last family cemetery

The evolution of the Cemetery reflects the role of Confucianism through history. During his eventful life, Confucius drifted from one place to another, trying to persuade the authorities to adopt his philosophy, but with little success. It was during later dynasties that Confucianism gained popularity among the authorities.

At the beginning

The history of Confucius Cemetery can dates back to the Zhou Dynasty. The original tomb erected here in memory of Confucius on the bank of the Sishui River had the shape of an axe. In addition, it had a brick platform for sacrifices.

Latter

Tombs for the descendants of Confucius and additional stele to commemorate him were soon added around Confucius' tomb. Since Confucius' descendants were conferred noble titles and were given imperial princesses as wives, many of the tombs in the cemetery show the status symbols of noblemen. Tombstones came in use during the Han Dynasty, today, there are about 3,600 tombstones dating from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties still standing in the cemetery. In 1331 construction work began on the wall and gate of the cemetery.

At last

In total, the cemetery has undergone 13 renovations and extensions. Eventually, by the late 18th century, the perimeter wall reached a length of 7.5 km, enclosing an area of 3.6 square kilometers. In this space, the tombs of more than 100,000 descendants of Confucius, who have been buried there over a period of about 2000 years, can be found. The oldest graves date back to the Zhou Dynasty, the most recent of which belong to descendants in the 76th and 78th generation.

Getting around

When you walk into the Cemetery and fully enjoy the treasures here, you will certainly be impressed by the role of Confucius in Chinese culture. The sacred way that leads up to the cemetery is 1,266 meters (4,153 feet) and is lined with verdant pines and cedars. At the end of the road stands a wooden memorial archway - called the Most Sacred Cemetery (Zhi Sheng Lin), and is the gate to the Cemetery of Confucius.

More than 10,000 mature trees give the cemetery a forest-like appearance. A road runs from the north gate of Qufu to the exterior gate of the cemetery in a straight line. It is 1266 m in length and lined by cypresses and pine trees. Along this road lies the Yan Temple, dedicated to Confucius' favorite student.

Before the tomb of Confucius, a tombstone of the Master and the Most Sacred Wenxuan King was set up in 1443. To the east lies the tomb of his son, Kong Li, while to the south is the tomb of Kong Ji, his grandson. This configuration is called "holding the son and hugging the grandson," considered an ideal family pattern in China.

When to visit

Opening Hours: 7:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Getting there

By bus: No.1 & 3

Attractions around » Qufu, Shan Dong

Historical Site

• Kong Family Mansion
• Confucius Temple
• Confucius Cemetery

Confucius Cemetery Highlights

Confucius attraction highlights

• Kong Family Mansion
• Confucius Temple
• Confucius Cemetery
• Confucius Temple
• Gaomiao Temple at Zhongwei

Mausoleum in Great China

• Ming Tombs
• Confucius Cemetery
• Huangdi Tomb
• Ming Xiaoling Tomb
• Eastern Qing Tombs
• Western Qing Tomb
• Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Tomb
• Royal Tombs of Western Xia Kingdom
• Zhaoling Tomb
• Genghis Khan's Tomb
• Tomb of Qin Shihuang
• Zhaoling Tomb
• Tomb of Crown Prince Yi De
• Tomb of Princess Yongtai
• Tomb of Concubine Yang
• Han Yang Ling Museum
• Qianling Tomb
• Maoling Tomb
• Imperial Tombs of the North Song Dynasty
• Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
• Fuling Tomb
• Hairui Tomb
• Zhaojun Tomb
• Astana Tombs
• Tomb of Abakh Khoja
• Tomb of General Yue Fei
• Amannishahan Tomb
• Tomb of Prince Jingjiang

Confucius Cemetery FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. How is the weather in Shandong? Anything to prepare?

  Food

1. What to notice about dining in Shandong?

  Shopping

1. What are some local products in Shandong? What to notice when buying them?

  Travel

1. What should I notice when visiting scenic spots?

• How is the weather in Shandong? Anything to prepare?

  There is a big difference between morning and nights temperature. The average temperature is between 16-26 degrees C, so you should put on or take off clothes at suitable times to prevent from catching a cold. Wear warm clothes when climbing Mt.Taishan, because the temperature on the mountain can be 8 C 10 degrees lower than at the foot of the mountain. Dont forget to bring raincoats or umbrellas.

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• What to notice about dining in Shandong?

  • The food in Shandong belongs to Lu cuisine. The seasoning of Lu cuisine is a bit strong, so that there is a big difference between Lu cuisine and Yue Cuisine. If you dont like strong seasoning you can ask for light seasoning dish.
  
  
  • Drink enough water, and eat more fresh fruit.
    
    
  • Do not eat food or snack at the little stands along the street, they might not be clean.
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• What are some local products in Shandong? What to notice when buying them?

  Shandong local products
  Donkey-hide Glue, kites, grass art works, green stones from Mt.Laoshan, gyrophora, tommy knocker, Longkou Vermicelli, Dezhou Braised Chicken, pancake, Yantai apples, Laiyang pears, Laoshan green tea, etc.

  Notice: make sure the products you buy are all real, and worth the price.
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• What should I notice when visiting scenic spots?

  • It is very crowded in some hot scenic spots, so please follow your guide closely, in case you will get lost.
  
  
  • Take good care of you personal belongings, especially your passport.
  
  
  • Please do not reach your head or hand out of the window when in the tour bus.
  
  
  • Protect historical sites and the plants around, do not draw or carve on the architectures.
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