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Confucius Temple Qufu曲阜孔庙
The Temple of Confucius in Qufu is the grandest Confucian temple in China — built in 478 BCE, one year after the philosopher's death, and expanded by every dynasty since. Its nine-courtyard axis, the Dacheng Hall with coiling dragon columns, and 2,000-plus stelae make it the template for every Confucian temple from Korea to Vietnam.
Qufu (Jining) · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Confucius Temple Qufu worth visiting?
The original Confucius temple, founded 478 BCE in Qufu — nine courtyards deep with the dragon-columned Dacheng Hall and 2,000-plus stelae, visited with the Kong Family Mansion on a combined ticket.
Quick facts
| Ticket | ¥140 combined ticket (temple + mansion + cemetery) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 08:00-17:30 |
| Recommended duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Apr-May and Sep-Oct; Confucius Culture Festival late Sep |
| How to get there | Qufu East HSR station, 20 min by bus or taxi |
| English signage | moderate |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
What to expect
The temple grew from three rooms that Confucius's disciples kept as a memorial in 478 BCE into a 16,000-square-meter complex rebuilt and expanded by emperors who needed Confucian legitimacy. The present buildings are largely Ming and Qing.
The Dacheng Hall is the highlight: ten carved stone dragon columns at the front were so exquisite that emperors feared overshadowing their own palaces, and they were reportedly covered during imperial visits. Stelae pavilions hold tablets from the Han dynasty onward, and ancient cypresses said to be planted by Confucius himself still grow here.
How to get there
Qufu East station on the Beijing-Shanghai HSR line is 20 minutes by bus K01 or taxi from the temple. From Qufu's older regular station, bus 2 or 3 runs to the old town gate.
Best photo spots
- The ten dragon columns of Dacheng Hall
- The Shengshi Gate axis with stele pavilions
- Ancient cypresses along the central walkway
Tips
- Buy the combined ticket: temple + Kong Family Mansion + Confucius Cemetery are a natural 3-stop walk
- The morning bell ceremony at dawn is atmospheric if you stay overnight
Scams to avoid
- Touts at the bus station selling "shortcut tickets" — buy at the official gate only
Frequently asked questions
Is the combined ticket worth it?
Yes for most visitors — the temple, mansion and cemetery form one walkable route through Qufu old town, and separately they cost more.
How do I get to Qufu?
Qufu East station sits on the Beijing–Shanghai HSR line: 2.5 hours from Beijing South or 3 hours from Shanghai Hongqiao.
Read next
Other things to do in Qufu (Jining)
Kong Family Mansion
The 2,000-year residence of Confucius's heirs — 463 rooms arranged as an official front office and private rear quarters, plus the family archive and ancestral shrine.
Temple of Confucius
China's largest Confucian temple complex, founded in 478 BC on the sage's former home, with 460+ halls and 1,000+ stone steles.