Experience the best of Qufu

Qufu is the hometown of Confucius, who was born in the region in 551 BC, and the buildings that honour him make up a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Temple of Confucius, one of the largest ancient building complexes in China, runs through courtyards of old cypresses to the great Dacheng Hall. Beside it, the Kong Family Mansion was the home of the sage's direct descendants for generations. The Cemetery of Confucius lies a short way north, among ancient trees.

Tradition places the sage's birth on Mount Ni, south-east of town, where a modern academy and sacred site have been built. Zoucheng, close by, is the birthplace of the philosopher Mencius and has its own temple and family mansion. Mount Tai, China's most sacred mountain, rises to the north, and the old Ming-era town walls still frame the centre of Qufu.

Shandong cooking is salty and rich in garlic and scallion, served with wheat breads and pancakes, and Qufu restaurants offer dishes in the style of the Kong family kitchen. A cultural festival around the philosopher's birthday at the end of September fills the town with rituals and music.