Things to do in Qufu
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Top 10 attractions in Qufu
Confucius Museum
The Confucius Museum is a museum built to commemorate Confucius, showcase Confucius' thoughts and doctrines, and spread and promote traditional culture represented by Confucian culture. It is located at No. 100 Confucius Avenue, Qufu City, Shandong Province. The main building is based on the imitation of Han-style architecture. It is a large-scale modern museum with a clear theme and comprehensive features. Construction began in early 2013 and it officially opened on September 6, 2019. The collections of the Confucius Museum are mainly from the old collections accumulated by the Confucius Mansion over thousands of years in history, and its profound cultural support is the long and splendid history of Confucius' hometown. The Confucius Museum is an extension of the "Three Confucius" cultural heritage. It has a rich collection of 700,000 cultural relics of various types. The world-famous collections include 300,000 private documents and archives of the Confucius Mansion from the Ming Dynasty to 1948, more than 40,000 rare ancient books since the Song Dynasty, more than 8,000 Ming and Qing Dynasty costumes, and a large number of ritual instruments related to the worship of Confucius. The Confucius Museum has a total exhibition area of 17,000 square meters. The Upward exhibition hall is the basic exhibition of Confucius, which consists of the preface hall and five parts. The preface hall gives a comprehensive introduction to Confucius through multimedia projection. The five parts are Confucius' era, Confucius' life, Confucius' wisdom, Confucius and Chinese civilization, and Confucius and world civilization. The Downward exhibition hall is the basic exhibition of poetry and rituals, which is divided into three units: Yuyin Baishi, Confucius Mansion Archives, and Quli Legacy. In addition, there is a special exhibition hall for temporary exhibitions. The exhibition uses cultural relics and artistic scenes as carriers, high technology as a means, and serves the public, especially young students, as the main goal, highlighting interactive experience and perception.Qufu · 2.9 km from downtown
Liaohe Ancient Street • Lanterns in Liaohe
"A boat enters the holy land, a river crosses a thousand years." Tourists take a cruise on the ancient boat, allowing the cultural journey to travel through modern light and shadow technology, immersing themselves in the long river of Chinese civilization and feeling the endless majestic power of China's excellent traditional culture. Take an ancient boat to cruise on the Liaohe River at night~ It is divided into four chapters: the origin of civilization, the country of etiquette, the eternal beacon, and the oriental holy city. Through 3 large-scale water curtain shows, 4 special bridge designs, 12 3D architectural projections and 15 micro-performance nodes, a face-to-face dialogue between tourists and sages across thousands of years is constructed. The omnipresent Confucian style and Lu rhyme on this land, and the ubiquitous millennium cultural context, seem to converge on the Liaohe River at the same time. The highlight of the night tour is the unique "water curtain holographic projection". With the Liaohe River fountain as the screen, the advanced projection technology is used to present the life story of Confucius and the essence of Lu culture to tourists. As the image changes, the scene of Confucius traveling around the countries and lecturing on the doctrine appears above the Liaohe River, making tourists seem to have traveled back to that era full of wisdom and philosophy. Liaohe Ancient Street·Liaoheli with Lights is a "cultural, commercial and tourism complex" and an "immersive ancient-style market" that integrates "eating, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment and performances"; the "Boat Tour of the Sacred Land of Liaohe" section uses digital light and shadow media to showcase the cultural sacred land of "a boat entering the sacred land and a river crossing a thousand years" through 4 water curtain shows, 12 3D light and shadow shows and 15 micro performances, creating a "national documentary scene-based immersive cultural night tour". In this land full of rich cultural atmosphere, a night tour feast is quietly taking place. This feast takes the wisdom and ingenuity of Confucius and Lu Ban as its soul, creating a new scene of night tour of Shili Liaohe River with Lu characteristics, so that every tourist can appreciate the unique charm of Lu culture under the night. The Liaohe Ancient Street and the Lights of Liaoheli, built with Confucius and Lu Ban as cultural elements, not only let tourists appreciate the unique charm of Lu culture, but also let tourists feel the wisdom and feelings of the ancients in their own experience. This night tour feast is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual baptism.Qufu · 3.4 km from downtown
Ctrip Travel Experience Center (Sankong Scenic Area Branch)
The center organically integrates tourist information, a Trip VIP lounge, scenic shuttle bus transfers, intangible cultural heritage experiences, an aesthetic tea space, and city Souvenir. With the core concept of "Cats in Qufu, Experience a Slow City," it deeply integrates Confucian culture, the local slow-life aesthetic, and smart tourism services. Through technological empowerment and conceptual rethinking, the Trip Travel Experience Center forges a symbiotic relationship of "using intelligence to promote slow travel" in modern travel. By "improving efficiency, reducing burdens, and deepening understanding," it creates the spatial and psychological conditions for slow travel. Slow travel, in turn, imbues technology with warmth, meaning, and sustainability, restoring a sense of human presence and the rhythmic breathing of the land in an era of speed. Technology is the gateway, and a slow mind is the path back.Qufu · 2.1 km from downtown
Temple of Yan Hui
In the Analects, Confucius praises Yan Hui everywhere, and Yan Hui is also famous for his virtue. Therefore, when later generations worship Confucius, they also constantly raise the honorific title for Yan Hui. During the Yuan Dynasty, Yan Hui was given the title of "Fusheng Gong" and honored as "Fusheng". The Yan Temple is also called "Fusheng Temple". The Yan Temple is divided into five courtyards, with 159 halls, pavilions, storehouses, and gatehouses. The main buildings in the temple include Fusheng Gate, Guiren Gate, Yangsheng Gate, Louxiangjing, Leting, Fusheng Hall, and stele pavilions. It is a rare and large ancient building complex. There is a Louxiang Well inside the Fusheng Gate and an octagonal open-air pavilion outside. To the north of the well is a stone tablet of "Louxiang Well" erected in the Ming Dynasty to commemorate Yan Hui's frugal character of "living in a humble alley with only a bowl of rice and a jug of water". The Fusheng Hall is the main hall. There are also tablets of Yan family celebrities such as Yan Zhitui, Yan Shigu, Yan Zhenqing, and Yan Gaoqing in the east and west wings.Qufu · 2.2 km from downtown
Ming Ancient City
Ming Ancient City is located in Jining, Shandong Province, and is one of the three holiest cities in the world. It covers a vast area with a long history. The attraction featuresConfucian Temple,Confucius Mansion,Confucius ForestFamous attractions like the Qufu Ming Ancient City walls. As an important relic from the Ming Dynasty, this site preserves numerous ancient structures and wall remnants, showcasing the grandeur and sophistication of Ming architecture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich historical atmosphere, as if traveling back to the glorious era centuries ago. The attraction features multiple areas worth exploring, where visitors can stroll along ancient streets and admire traditional architectural styles with exquisite carvings. Every brick and stone carries memories of history, inspiring awe for the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient people.Qufu · 1.3 km from downtown
Zhougong Temple
The Temple of Zhougong is a temple dedicated to the Duke of Zhou. Duke of Zhou, whose surname was Ji and given name was Dan, was the fourth son of King Wen of Zhou. He was called Duke of Zhou because his fief was in Zhou. Duke of Zhou assisted King Wu in defeating King Zhou, created rituals and music, and was granted the title of Duke of Lu, the "Ruins of Shaohao". At that time, King Cheng was young, so Duke of Zhou assisted him and sent his son Boqin to take his place, becoming the first Duke of Lu. Because Duke of Zhou had made great contributions to Zhou, King Cheng of Zhou granted Boqin special permission to set up the Imperial Temple in Lu in the 14th year of his reign (1028 BC) to worship his ancestors with the rites of the Son of Heaven. After the death of Duke of Zhou, he was also worshipped with the rites of the Son of Heaven. In the first year of Dazhong Xiangfu (1008 AD) of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, Duke of Zhou was posthumously named King Wenxian, and the Temple of Zhougong was built on the site of the former Imperial Temple of Lu. Because the feudal emperors had named Duke of Zhou "Yuansheng", it was also called the "Yuansheng Temple". The Zhougong Temple was rebuilt several times during the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties to reach its current size. The Zhougong Temple covers an area of 31,310 square meters (including the sacred path), with three courtyards, 13 gates, squares, pavilions and halls with 57 rooms. The Zhougong Temple area is a cultural relic of the early Western Zhou Dynasty in Qufu. In 1977, it was announced as the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in the province.Qufu · 2.9 km from downtown
Song Du Huangcheng Cultural Tourism Resort
Song Du Huangcheng Cultural Tourism Resort is located in the northern part of the old city of Kaifeng, precisely on the site of the imperial palace of the Northern Song Dynasty's Dongjing city. The millennium-old central axis of Kaifeng runs through this area, making it the core zone of the royal culture of the Song Dynasty. Here, you can find the Song-style imperial architecture of the Longting attraction, the tales of the Yang Family Generals at Tianbo Yang's residence, and the calligraphic steles of Han Yuan Stele Forest. The Shuanglong Lane historical and cultural block, 960 Cultural and Creative Park, and Qisheng Corner have transformed old streets and courtyards into Song-style blocks perfect for leisurely exploration. The resort also connects a series of Song culture attractions: Wansui Mountain Great Song Martial Arts City stages year-round martial arts live shows and intangible cultural heritage iron fireworks, while historic sites like the Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng city wall, Zhouqiao and Bian River ruins, Shanshangan Guild Hall, Yanqing Taoist Temple, and Fan Pagoda are scattered across the old city, along with niche spots like the underground wartime grain storage. These places are hard to cover in one day, so we recommend focusing on two or three key sites. After dark, a different experience awaits as the attractions light up in unison. Boarding a painted pleasure boat on the Great Song Imperial River to watch the illuminated pavilions and towers sway with the rippling water is a popular nightlife option here.China · Kaifeng
Daming Lake Scenic Area
Daming Lake Scenic Area is located in the northeast of downtown Jinan, the northern part of the Old Town. It is a park that integrates bodies of water, garden landscape, and ancient architecture. Daming Lake is in the center of the park. Or one could say that the park is built along the lake. Daming Lake is a natural lake. The water source comes from many springs in the city. It has a long history, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. In the park, you can visit the Lao She Memorial. In summer, you can enjoy the lotus blossoms in the garden.China · Jinan
Ancient Town of Qingzhou
Qingzhou is one of the ancient nine provinces of China. Since the early Western Han Dynasty, six cities—Guang County, Guanggu City, Dongyang City, Nanyang City, Dongguan Weizi City, and Qicheng—were successively built on this land, with a continuous urban history spanning over two thousand years. Today, the Ancient Town of Qingzhou has been comprehensively protected and restored, forming three major districts: the Beiguan ancient block in Dongyang City, the Ouyuan historical and cultural block and the South Gate block in Nanyang City, and the Zhaode ancient block in Dongguan Weizi City. Government buildings, traditional residences, and classical gardens are scattered across hundreds of ancient streets and alleys, such as North Gate Street and East Gate Street, with their blue bricks and dark tiles showcasing distinct Ming and Qing architectural styles. Unlike many entirely reconstructed ancient towns, this is a "living ancient town," where original residents still live in the old streets and alleys, and intangible cultural heritage items like the cuoqin are passed down on the streets, blending the vibrancy of daily life with ancient charm. A visit can begin by ascending the Fucai Gate Tower at the south gate of ancient Nanyang City for a panoramic view of the town's sea of dark tiles. Ouyuan is a preserved classical garden within the town, originally the eastern garden of the Ming Dynasty's Prince of Heng's residence and later the private garden of Feng Pu, a grand secretary during the Qing Kangxi era. Its three-peak rockery embodies the grandeur of northern landscapes. Figures like Fan Zhongyan and Ouyang Xiu once served as officials here, and Li Qingzhao lived in Qingzhou for over a decade, composing numerous ci poems. Historical relics like the Qingzhou Prefecture Examination Hall are also scattered throughout the streets, where traces of this cultural legacy can often be encountered. The main street is densely lined with shops, but to avoid crowds, one can turn into the side alleys or head straight to Zhaode Ancient Street—where rows of Ming and Qing-era houses remain, with wooden doors, stone steps, and flagstone paths offering a glimpse of old Qingzhou's daily life.China · Qingzhou
The Best Spring In The World
The Best Spring In The World is located in downtown Jinan, featuring "one river (the moat), one lake (Daming Lake), three springs (the Baotu Spring, Heihu Spring, and Wulongtan spring clusters), and four parks (Baotu Spring Park, Huancheng Park, Wulongtan Park, and Daming Lake Park)." The attraction centers around Baotu Spring, renowned as the "No. 1 Spring Under Heaven." Its waters flow into rivers and converge into lakes, harmoniously blending with the ancient Mingfu City. To the north lies Wulongtan (Five Dragon Pool), while to the east stretches Jinan's Huancheng Park (home to the Black Tiger Spring and other springs), both highly celebrated in Jinan. These springs boast exceptional water quality. Daming Lake, a natural lake formed by the convergence of numerous springs, receives water from its southern shore. When full, the water flows out through the Northern Water Gate, built during the Song Dynasty on the lake's north shore. The lakebed consists of impermeable igneous rock, preventing flooding during heavy rains or drought. Often described as "a confluence of springs merging to embrace the Jiluo region," it's hailed as the "Pearl of the Spring City." Similarly, the moat formed by spring waters encircles the ancient city like a jade belt, offering scenic cruise rides along its course. The attraction boasts stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, featuring not only springs, rivers, and lakes but also numerous historical landmarks. Highlights include the Chaoran Tower dating back to the Yuan Dynasty and the Luoyuan Hall originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (now a Ming-era structure). Historical sites include the Luoshang Terrace, the former residence site of Qin Qiong, and the Beishui Gate. Notable former residences include the Nanfeng Ancestral Hall, Jiaxuan Ancestral Hall, Li Qingzhao Memorial Hall and Yi'an Old Residence, Tiegong Ancestral Hall, and Lao She Memorial Hall. Red tourism sites include the Jinan Massacre Memorial and the former site of the Shandong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.China · Jinan
Experiences you can't miss in Qufu
Featured Cultural experiences in Qufu
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Free things to do in Qufu
Confucius Museum
Qufu · 2.9 km from downtownLiaohe Ancient Street • Lanterns in Liaohe
Qufu · 3.4 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeCtrip Travel Experience Center (Sankong Scenic Area Branch)
Qufu · 2.1 km from downtownTemple of Yan Hui
Qufu · 2.2 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeMing Ancient City
Qufu · 1.3 km from downtownZhougong Temple
Qufu · 2.9 km from downtownSong Du Huangcheng Cultural Tourism Resort
China · KaifengDaming Lake Scenic Area
China · JinanAncient Town of Qingzhou
China · QingzhouImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeThe Best Spring In The World
China · Jinan
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What travelers say about Qufu
YoYo_D1l9r9b1August 1, 2026
5.0
The Confucius Museum is located in Qufu, not far from the Temple of Confucius. The building is large, with exhibition halls displaying Confucius's life and thought chronologically, as well as ritual implements used in Confucian ceremonies throughout history. The exhibits are meticulously detailed. Some areas use lighting and scene recreations to depict Confucius lecturing, and there's a faint scent of ink as you walk around. The museum is spacious, and you can sit on the wooden benches in the rest area if you get tired. Overall, it's a quiet place to learn about Confucius and his era.
Confucius Museum
M43***67November 11, 2024
5.0
The light show at night is a highlight. The colorful lights decorate the bridge and the river bank so beautifully that people can't help but stop and admire them. The boat trip is very interesting, and the water curtain show and micro performances are very good.
Liaohe Ancient Street • Lanterns in Liaohe
Anonymous userAugust 10, 2026
5.0
We brought our child to experience the Song brocade and the little book lamp activities, which were excellent! The staff was very patient! Our child loved it, and the environment was super nice! We'll definitely come back to try other activities next time!
Ctrip Travel Experience Center (Sankong Scenic Area Branch)
风雨做的梦想曲会差February 9, 2026
4.0
The Yan Temple was built to commemorate Yan Hui and is a free attraction. It's a ten-minute walk from the east gate of the Confucius Temple. The archway at the entrance dates back to the Ming Dynasty, while the Louxiang Well is even older. Although the Leting Pavilion and Fusheng Hall are reconstructions, they are very well-preserved. My middle school student had just studied a classical Chinese essay about Yan Hui last semester, so the experience was excellent. Overall, it's worth a visit.
Temple of Yan Hui
GeographerOctober 10, 2020
5.0
When I first arrived in Qufu, I was surprised to see that Qufu also had a city wall. When I went to the scenic area and passed by the city wall, I realized that it was the Ming City of Qufu. The Confucius Mansion and Temple are inside the Ming City. The Ming City Wall has also undergone many renovations and is very magnificent!
Ming Ancient City
山在穷游October 16, 2024
5.0
As a national key cultural relic protection place, it is very worthwhile to check in. I rode an electric bike from the center of Qufu to come here, but it was quite unexpected that it was not open when I came that day. I don’t know why, but I looked at it at the door and it was still very beautiful. After all, it is a national key cultural relic. I must come to check in.
Zhougong Temple
M55***20August 18, 2026
5.0
It's very worthwhile, but it's also very crowded, which might slightly detract from the overall experience. However, the people are incredibly welcoming, and there are many beautiful spots for taking photos. The food is also affordable and inexpensive, which kids enjoy. I'll definitely go back when it's less crowded.
Song Du Huangcheng Cultural Tourism Resort
Matthew 75September 28, 2026
5.0
A beautiful place to visit, lots of photos opportunities and welcoming people.
Daming Lake Scenic Area
268***26October 7, 2026
5.0
When visiting Qingzhou Ancient City, the Fucai Gate Tower is a must-see, considered the heart of the ancient city. There aren't many other attractions within the ancient city, but the tower has a great location, with convenient access via sightseeing electric carts. There are also plenty of food stalls to explore nearby.
Ancient Town of Qingzhou
M35***80October 7, 2026
5.0
This was my first time visiting Baotu Spring. I went in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, so the experience wasn't too bad. The three springs were bubbling away, and the water was crystal clear. No wonder it's called the City of Springs! 👍
The Best Spring In The World
