Qufu, Shandong Province

Arriving in Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, the first thing coming into sight is the spacious temple of Confucius, which dominates the town. 

Confucius is the world-renowned Chinese philosopher born in Qufu more than 3,500 years ago. His influence on Chinese society culture lasts until the present day. Qufu has recently been restored to its former glory. It has become a tourist attraction rivaling the Great Wall.

In size and scale, the Confucius Temple ranks second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Construction of the Temple began in 478 B.C., the year after Confucius's death. It was rebuilt many times throughout the ensuing 3,000 years. 

The Temple grounds cover an area of 33 hectares with buildings laid out symmetrically along a 0.6-mile north-south axis. There are 53 magnificent gateways and numerous halls, pavilions and shrines elaborately roofed with glazed tiles.

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