Qufu is a quaint town. While this small city is fairly off the tourist map, the Family Mansion of Confucius can get crowded (like most WHS in China). Luckily, my Chinese friend who I was travelling with at the time, hasd family in Ti'an, close to Qufu. Thus with an early start we made our way to Qufu to visit the temple and family mansion Confucius and his many descendants.

The complex itself is full of classic Chinese motifs. If you have already visited many Chinese style homes or palaces, it might loose some of its draw. However, I found it fascinating, the veneration of this family from the time of Confucius, lasting until the Qing dynasty (77 generations!). The courtyards are spacious, lined with trees. The buildings are decorated, in some occasions, in the same style only reserved for the Emperor.

Like others have mentioned, some of the stonework, such as exquisite pillars are worth taking note of. For those who want solitude and space from the tour groups, take a stroll in the cemetery. In these burial grounds you will find countless tombs of the Kong family. Deep into the cemetery you will find the tomb of Confucius himself. There is the incredible (stated fact) that this cemetery contains the burial remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants! Hyperbole? While the tomb itself is far more recently built than the 5th century BC, it is a great place for reflection and people watching. Its not uncommon to see burning incense, bows to the great sage, and even flowers being left in front of China's most famous philosopher. The statues are memorable and later on, I would compare their style with those found in Korea.

Flickr Album