Nishan Holy Land—The World of Confucius

Nishan, the birthplace of Confucius, is located more than 340 meters above sea level, southeast of Qufu City, bordering Sishui County and Zoucheng City, with most of it belonging to Nishan Town in Qufu City. Originally named Nishan Hill, it was later renamed because Confucius' parents prayed at Nishan Hill and were blessed with Confucius. Confucius was the second child in his family, originally named Kong Qiu, styled Zhongni. Later generations referred to Nishan to avoid using Confucius' name directly. Confucius' father, Shuliang He, was born in the ancient village of Luyuan Village on the north side of Changping Mountain, west of Nishan, by the Yi River. This place was once the Changping Township of the State of Lu, where Shuliang He served as the chief of Zouyi. The village still has a stone tablet inscribed by Kang Youwei, reading "Ancient Changping Township." Shuliang He was known for his bravery and strength. His wife, Shi, bore nine daughters but no sons. His concubine bore a son, Meng Pi, but he could not inherit the family business due to a foot ailment. Southeast of Nishan are Yanmu Mountain and Yanmu Village, named after Confucius' mother, Yan Zhengzai. In his later years, Shuliang He married Yan Zhengzai, and on August 27, 551 BC, Yan gave birth to Confucius at Nishan. When Confucius was three years old, his father passed away, and he moved with his mother to the capital of Lu, Qufu. His descendants flourished there, earning the title "Qufu Family." Confucius became the progenitor of the Kong family. Nishan has five peaks. On the eastern slope of the central peak, there are buildings such as the Confucius Temple and Nishan Academy. Other scenic spots include the Five Elders Peak, Zhiyuan Forest, Zhiyuan Stream, Kunling Cave, Guanchuan Pavilion, Zhonghe Valley, Wende Forest, and Baiyun Cave, collectively known as the "Eight Scenic Spots of Nishan." The Shengshui Lake on the south side of Nishan was originally named "Nishan Reservoir," built in 1958. In 2010, the Nishan Provincial Cultural Tourism Resort was established. In 2011, the Nishan Confucius Temple Scenic Area was rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The overall concept of Nishan Holy Land is "Confucius' World, the World's Confucius," aiming to create a comprehensive cultural platform integrating cultural experience, academic enlightenment, ecological tourism, leisure vacation, and educational training. 1. Statue of Confucius: Completed in December 2015, standing 72 meters high, modeled after the "Portrait of Confucius Teaching" by Tang Dynasty painter Wu Daozi, it has become the highest point of Nishan Holy Land. 2. The Great Hall: Includes the Jixian Hall, the Great Learning Hall, the Seventy-two Sages Corridor, and the halls of Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Faith, as well as the Ritual and Music Hall. It is a comprehensive building integrating museum, ceremonial, lecture, conference, and performance functions. 3. "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" Performance: Consists of three parts and nine chapters, depicting the journey from the ordinary to the sage, guiding the audience into the ceremonial and musical world of "Fengya Song," and experiencing a life of propriety. In 2018, it received funding from the National Art Fund. 4. Light Show: A large drone and light show by Shengshui Lake in the evening, offering a stunning spectacle. 5. Nishan Forum: Initiated by Xu Jialu, former vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and director of the Expert Advisory Committee of the Chinese Cultural Symbol City, it is an international cultural and academic exchange event themed on dialogues among different civilizations of the world. The first Nishan World Civilization Forum was held in 2010. Self-driving Travel Guide: It is best to have a guide accompany you when visiting Nishan Holy Land. Including the "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" performance and the light show, it takes a whole day. Both performances are worth seeing, so plan your time accordingly. Nearby, the under-construction Luyuan Town offers food and accommodation services. Overall Experience Rating (out of five stars): 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟