Qufu Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, food, and accommodations in Qufu, China with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip and explore the city's rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and local customs.


Introduction to Qufu

Qufu is a city in the Shandong Province of China, located in the northeast of the country. It is considered to be one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and is most famous for being the hometown of Confucius, the philosopher and educator who lived more than 2,000 years ago.

Today, Qufu is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Chinese history, culture, and philosophy. It boasts numerous museums, temples, historical sites, and natural wonders that offer a fascinating glimpse into China’s rich past and present.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, activities, food, and accommodations in Qufu. We’ll provide you with everything you need to plan your trip and make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

List of Places to Visit in Qufu

Here are the top places to visit in Qufu:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Confucius Temple: a temple dedicated to the life and teachings of Confucius, with beautiful gardens and exhibits.
  2. Kong Family Mansion: the ancestral home of Confucius’s descendants for over 76 generations.
  3. Cemetery of Confucius: the final resting place of Confucius and his descendants.
  4. Yan Temple: a temple built in honor of Yan Hui, one of Confucius’s top disciples.
  5. Zhusheng Temple: a temple built to commemorate Prince Sheng, the eldest son of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty.

Natural Attractions of Qufu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Ni: a mountain range located just outside the city, with scenic hiking trails and breathtaking views.
  2. Baotu Spring: a natural hot spring with crystal-clear water and stunning surroundings.
  3. East Gate Street: a pedestrian shopping street with beautiful architecture and a lively atmosphere.
  4. Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall: a memorial dedicated to Fan Zhongyan, a famous scholar and statesman of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Qufu

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Qufu has plenty to offer. Here are some great hiking and biking routes to explore:

  1. Mount Ni Hiking Trail: a 12-kilometer hike with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and ancient temples.
  2. Qilu Grand Canyon Biking Trail: a 25-kilometer bike ride featuring spectacular scenery and cultural landmarks.
  3. Baotu Spring Cultural Ruins Hiking Trail: a 3-kilometer hike through scenic woodlands and ancient ruins.

Best Things to Do in Qufu: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in Qufu:

  1. Confucius Cultural Festival: an annual celebration of Confucian culture that takes place in September.
  2. Kong Fu Show: a performance showcasing Qufu’s martial arts history and traditions.
  3. Calligraphy Class: learn how to write Chinese characters with a master calligrapher in Qufu.
  4. Food Tour: taste local delicacies like fried tofu, peanut soup, and Kong Family-style cuisine on a food tour of the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Qufu

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Qufu:

Day 1: Confucius Temple, Kong Family Mansion, Cemetery of Confucius Day 2: Mount Ni Hiking Trail, Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall Day 3: Yan Temple, Zhusheng Temple, Qilu Grand Canyon Biking Trail Day 4: Baotu Spring, East Gate Street Day 5: Kong Fu Show, Calligraphy Class Day 6: Food Tour, Qufu Museum Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Qufu

No trip to Qufu would be complete without trying some of its famous local dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try foods and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Fried Tofu: a crispy and flavorful dish made from tofu and spices.
  2. Peanut Soup: a creamy soup made from peanuts and other local ingredients.
  3. Kong Family-style Cuisine: a unique cooking style featuring delicate flavors and carefully prepared dishes.

Local Beverages

  1. Kong Family Wine: a type of rice wine produced in Qufu for over 2,000 years.
  2. Baotu Spring Water: a natural hot spring water that is said to have health benefits.

Where to Stay in Qufu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Qufu, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  1. Shangri-La Hotel Qufu: a luxury hotel with stylish rooms, on-site dining, and a wellness center.
  2. Qufu International Youth Hostel: budget-friendly hostel with clean and comfortable rooms and a relaxing courtyard.
  3. Kong Family Guesthouse: a charming guesthouse offering a unique stay in the former residence of Confucius’s descendants.

What to Buy in Qufu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring home from Qufu, consider these local products:

  1. Kong Family-style Embroidery: intricately designed embroidery showcasing Qufu’s rich cultural heritage.
  2. Kong Family Wine: a bottle of authentic rice wine produced in Qufu.
  3. Confucius-related Artifacts: replicas of Confucius’s personal items and other cultural artifacts.

Local Culture and Customs of Qufu

As the hometown of Confucius, Qufu is steeped in ancient Chinese culture and customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:

  1. Dress Respectfully: dress modestly when visiting temples and other cultural sites.
  2. Show Respect: show respect for local customs and traditions and follow the rules and regulations.
  3. Observe Confucian Etiquette: pay your respects to Confucius when visiting the temple and cemetery of Confucius.

Best Time to Visit Qufu

The best time to visit Qufu is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Qufu

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Qufu:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress modestly when visiting cultural sites.
  3. Try local food and drink.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect the cultural heritage of Qufu.
  2. Take pictures of Confucius’s tomb.
  3. Touch, move or remove any religious statues, objects or offerings.

Safety and Health

Qufu is generally a safe and healthy city for travelers. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and healthy trip:

Safety in Qufu

  1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  2. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
  3. Follow local laws and regulations.

Health in Qufu

  1. Drink bottled water to avoid getting sick.
  2. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun.
  3. Carry any necessary medications with you.

Getting to Qufu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Qufu is easily accessible by air, train, and bus. Here are some transport options to consider:

Airports Near Qufu

  1. Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport: the closest airport to Qufu, located about 150 kilometers away.
  2. Qingdao Liuting International Airport: located about 250 kilometers away from Qufu.

Bus Stations Near Qufu

  1. Qufu Bus Station: the main bus station in Qufu, with daily connections to other cities in Shandong Province.
  2. Qufu East Bus Station: located on the east side of the city, with buses to other parts of China.

Other Options

  1. Train: Qufu has a railway station with regular trains to major cities in China.
  2. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Qufu and can be hired for local transport.

How to Get Around in Qufu

Qufu is a small city that is easily navigable on foot. However, if you need to travel longer distances or to areas outside the city, you may want to consider these options:

  1. Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Qufu and can be hired for local transport.
  2. Bus: Qufu has a local bus system with several routes covering the city and surrounding areas.
  3. Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Qufu at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Qufu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your travels after visiting Qufu, here are some nearby destinations to consider:

  1. Jinan: the capital city of Shandong Province, located about 100 kilometers away from Qufu.
  2. Mount Tai: a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, located about 150 kilometers away.
  3. Confucius Temple and Mansion in the City of Lu: located about 85 kilometers southwest of Qufu, these are the childhood homes of Confucius.

Conclusion

Qufu is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. From its temples and museums to its hiking trails and local cuisine, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. Use this guide to plan your trip and discover all that Qufu has to offer.

City Walls of Qufu City Walls of Qufu Of all railway stations in the area, the small Qufu Railway Station is the closest to Qufu's historical center city, but also has the fewest trains Of all railway stations in the area, the small Qufu Railway Station is the closest to Qufu's historical center city, but also has the fewest trains The main street of Qufu's walled city. The Drum Tower (the central point of the city) on the left, a row of hotels, on the right The main street of Qufu's walled city. The Drum Tower (the central point of the city) on the left, a row of hotels, on the right A quiet courtyard in the Temple of Yan Hui (''Yan Miao'') A quiet courtyard in the Temple of Yan Hui (''Yan Miao'') The memorial complex of Kong Yanjin, one of several Ming era Dukes of Yansheng (senior-line descendants of Confucius) buried in the Cemetery of Confucius The memorial complex of Kong Yanjin, one of several Ming era Dukes of Yansheng (senior-line descendants of Confucius) buried in the Cemetery of Confucius Winter in Shou Qiu Winter in Shou Qiu A busy street market in the Xiguan neighborhood, west of the Qufu Mosque A busy street market in the Xiguan neighborhood, west of the Qufu Mosque