Overview:

The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, China, comprise a complex of cultural and spiritual sites associated with the life and legacy of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, and the Kong family that was the direct descendant of him. It consists of the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion, the Cemetery of Confucius, its subsidiary temples and other memorial features. The Temple of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion are protected by the Chinese government as national and provincial level cultural and historical sites. The temple and cemetery were inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 with extended boundaries in 2000 and further confirmed with modification of boundaries in 2001. The Temple of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion contribute to the transmission of Confucius spiritual culture and serve as a place of worship for the believers of Confucianism. They are a hub for international academic research activities, as well as for cultural exchange at local, national and international levels. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

, Qufu city is home to two prominent historical sites that are dedicated to the Confucianist philosopher Confucius, along with his descendants. The Temple of Confucius and the Cemetery of Confucius are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Kong Family Mansion. The Temple of Confucius is over 2,000 years old and was built in 479 BC to honor the philosopher and pay respect to his legacy. It has been continually renovated over the years and contains many historically significant artifacts and monuments, including a sacrificial hall, a well-kept garden, and a museum. The Cemetery of Confucius is considered one of the most important burial grounds in China. It contains the graves of Confucius and many of his descendants, along with several ancient tombs and mausoleums. The Kong Family Mansion, also located in Qufu, is a large and sprawling estate that was the home of Confucius's descendants for over 400 years. It contains many buildings, temples, and gardens, as well as several important historic artifacts and documents. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu have a long and historical significance in Chinese culture. The temple was originally built as a shrine to Confucius (Kong Fu Zi) and was first built in 478 BCE during the Warring States period. It was constructed by Duke Ai of the State of Lu (Lu-guo) and dedicated to Confucius, founder of the school of philosophy known as Confucianism. The temple was enlarged and its layout was further developed and refined during the early Han Dynasty. There have been continued renovations and additions to the temple in the centuries since, including one major renovation during the Qing Dynasty. The Cemetery of Confucius in Qufu is the world’s largest cemetery dedicated to a single individual. It covers an area of 20 square kilometers and is filled with thousands of sacrificial vessels and graves. It also contains, including a memorial palace, pavilions, temples and forested gardens. A pavilion dedicated to Confucius’s disciples is located within the grounds of the cemetery. Other features of the compound include a Confucius Temple and a Hall of Great Learning located in a large courtyard near the cemetery. The Kong Family Mansion, located near the temple and cemetery, was established in 1353 and served as the home of the Kong family for over 500 years. It includes multiple buildings, courtyards and gardens, as well as two gates known as the "Gate of Great Learning" and the "Gate of Man". The Kong family was an influential clan in ancient China, known for their roles as scholars and advisors to the emperors of the time. Today, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius in Qufu are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, deemed as unique examples of Chinese architectural and cultural tradition. They attract visitors from all over the world and serve as a lasting reminder of the importance of Confucian studies and the legacy of the Kong family. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu, China are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. The temple complex is the largest ancient Confucian complex in the world, covering an area of 16 square kilometers (6.2 sq mi). 3. The cemetery of Confucius covers an area of 120 chinese mu (roughly 17.9 hectares). 4. The Temple of Confucius was built in 478 BC and is the oldest Confucian temple still in existence in China. 5. The Kong Family Mansion is the largest and best-preserved ancestral home of the Confucian descendants living in Qufu. 6. Famous visitors to the temple complex include Marco Polo, who visited during his travels in 1271. 7. The Kong Family Mansion also served as a venue for Confucian students taking civil service examinations during the Qing Dynasty. 8. Every year, a huge sacrificial ceremony of Confucius is held in the temple complex. 9. More than 100,000 people from around the world come to pay tribute to Confucius every year. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era