Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu in China

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1994
Size of heritage:

Coordinates:
Longitude: 116,975°
Latitude: 35,612°

Summary

The temple, cemetery and family mansion of Confucius, the great philosopher, politician and educator of the 6th–5th centuries B.C., are located at Qufu, in Shandong Province. Built to commemorate him in 478 B.C., the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed over the centuries; today it comprises more than 100 buildings. The cemetery contains Confucius' tomb and the remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants. The small house of the Kong family developed into a gigantic aristocratic residence, of which 152 buildings remain. The Qufu complex of monuments has retained its outstanding artistic and historic character due to the devotion of successive Chinese emperors over more than 2,000 years.

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Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu

The Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion, located in Qufu City, Shandong Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site is dedicated to the memory of Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher, educator, and founder of Confucianism.

History

The history of this heritage site dates back over 2,000 years. Confucius, also known as Kong Qiu, was born in 551 BCE in Qufu. He spent his life teaching and spreading his philosophy, which emphasized moral values, social harmony, and respect for authority. After his death in 479 BCE, his disciples built a temple to honor him and preserve his teachings.

Over the centuries, the temple complex expanded, with various emperors contributing to its development. The temple became a place of worship and pilgrimage for Confucian scholars and followers. The Kong Family Mansion, located adjacent to the temple, served as the residence of Confucius' descendants, who continued his teachings and played significant roles in Chinese society.

The cemetery, situated a few kilometers north of the temple, is the final resting place of Confucius and his descendants. It spans an area of over 200 hectares and contains more than 100,000 tombs. The cemetery reflects the hierarchical structure of Chinese society, with the tombs of Confucius and his direct descendants occupying the most prominent positions.

Current State

Today, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion remain important cultural and religious sites in China. The temple complex covers an area of 16,000 square meters and consists of various halls, pavilions, and courtyards. The main structures include the Dacheng Hall, where Confucius' statue is enshrined, and the Kuiwen Pavilion, which houses a collection of ancient texts and artifacts.

The Kong Family Mansion, covering an area of 16,000 square meters, is a magnificent example of traditional Chinese architecture. It comprises over 400 rooms, divided into three sections: the Front Mansion, the Central Mansion, and the Back Mansion. The mansion showcases the lifestyle and cultural traditions of the Kong family, providing insights into the life of Confucius' descendants.