Kong Family Mansion
» Qufu, Shan Dong

孔府 ‘衍圣公府’‘天下第一家’

Confucius Mansion

The small house of the Kong family developed into a gigantic aristocratic residence, of which 152 buildings remain.It is the largest of its kind in Chinese history. The mansion is where the first son and the first grandson of Confucius lived. The Qufu complex of monuments has retained its outstanding artistic and historic character due to the devotion of successive Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years.

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 largest family mansion

Kong is the family surname of Confucius and his descendants. The mansion is where the first son and the first grandson of Confucius lived. It is located in Qufu, Shandong Province. Dynasties came and went but the First Family under Heaven has lasted the longest. The Kong Family Mansion is the largest of its kind in Chinese history.

Today, the mansion comprises 152 buildings with 480 rooms, which cover an area of 12,470 square meters. The family mansion was inhabited by descendants of Confucius until 1937, when Confucius' descendant in the 76th and 77th generations fled to Chongqing during the Second Sino - Japanese War and later to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War.

Layout of the mansion

The layout of the mansion is traditionally Chinese style; it separates official rooms in the front from the residential quarters in the rear. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of the buildings according to the seniority, gender, and status of their inhabitants reflects the Confucian principle of order and hierarchy: The most senior descendant of Confucius took up residence in the central of the three main buildings; his younger brother occupied the Yi Gun hall to the east.

Three parts

The Eastern part is the family temple, the Western institute and the Central main buildings. The Central part is then divided into two sections with the front being the office and the family residence behind. The garden is located at the back of the residence.

Cultural relics

Though less splendid than the Forbidden City, the Mansion boasts luxury furnishings, exquisite decorations, and precious cultural relics. These relics, some given by emperors, some presented by high ranking officials and celebrities, and some purchased at a high price, are the most valuable resource for research on ancient Chinese history and culture.

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

Historical Site

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  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.


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Right next to the Confucian Temple, the Confucian Family Mansion was the residence of Confucius' descendants and also the residence just next to the imperial palace in scale. Covering 39 acres, the family mansion now houses a large number of documents, files and cultural relics.

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