Confucius and the development of Qufu as a major centre for cultural tourism
Built on a site where Confucius himself once lived, the Confucius Family Mansion comprises 463 buildings. It was used as a residence for over 77 generations of his descendants. It is regarded as one of the grandest family lodgings today in China. A ceremonial gate near the southern entrance was opened only for visiting Emperors, such was the eventual status of the Kong family. Indeed it is reckoned Qufu’s historic character evolved through the devotion of a succession of Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years. This helped ensure that the finest of China’s craftsmen were both involved with the initial creation and subsequent reconstructions over the centuries.
It was very easy to appreciate why the major buildings associated with Confucius were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Qufu maybe small but there is so much contained both within its urban space and beyond.
