Qufu Kong Family Mansion: Exploring the Residence of Confucius' Descendants

🌄 Overview of Qufu Kong Family Mansion The Qufu Kong Family Mansion is where the direct descendants of Confucius, the hereditary Dukes Yansheng, resided. Having undergone numerous expansions, renovations, and reconstructions over generations, it boasts a grand scale and a three-route, nine-entry layout. The front section served as government offices, the middle as living quarters, and the rear as a garden. 📍 Address: Located on Gulou South Street, Qufu, it's surrounded by bustling shops. 🎫 Ticket Information Tickets are priced at CNY 60, with half-price admission for children. You can scan the QR code at the ticket office to purchase tickets and enter. 🚌 Transportation Take the high-speed train to Qufu East Station and then a taxi to the Kong Family Mansion. Public transportation within Qufu is also available. 🌟 Highlights 1. Architectural Beauty · The architecture of the Kong Family Mansion showcases the unique sophistication of Chinese design and the beauty of high-ranking halls. The balanced and symmetrical order, the calm and restrained structure and colors, and the appropriate use of negative space all reveal the moderate, introverted, and open-minded nature of the Chinese people. · The courtyard-style layout, with numerous halls of varying functions and arrangements, fully displays the social status passed down through generations of the Kong family. 2. Cultural Significance · The main hall of a large family home, known as the zhongtang, is an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture and life. It was used for receiving distinguished guests, holding family meetings, and instructing descendants. · The family mottoes and maxims on plaques and scrolls, as well as the patterns on screens, reflect people's understanding of and pursuit of morality, ethics, and etiquette. For example, the "Anti-Greed Painting" on the screen door of the inner chambers embodies the cultural values the owner wished to convey to future generations. 3. Garden Landscape · The small garden paths at the back, with clustered flowers, strangely shaped rocks, a jade-like pond, and a few wisps of clouds, add a touch of Chinese elegance. 🌟 Recommended Itinerary · Entrance Area · Main Gate - Shengfu: As the entrance to the Kong Family Mansion, it features a solemn architectural style, highlighting the status of the mansion. · Second Gate - Gate of the Sage: Passing through this gate, you can almost feel the rich historical atmosphere. · Chongguang Gate - Ceremonial Gate, Hanging Flower Gate: The unique architectural style embodies the artistic essence of the Kong Family Mansion. · Government Office Area · Grand Hall - Where the Duke Yansheng held court and handled cases: Here, you can imagine the scene of the Duke Yansheng handling affairs, dignified and solemn. · The Grand Secretary's Stool: This is where the Ming Dynasty official Yan Song once sat on a "cold bench," a place with an interesting historical story. · Empress Dowager Cixi's "Longevity" Inscription: A witness to the special event of the Duke Yansheng celebrating Cixi's birthday. · Second Hall - Where the Duke Yansheng met with officials: Learn about the place where the Duke Yansheng interacted with officials. · Third Hall - Where internal family disputes were handled and servants were punished: Here, you can also see objects similar to modern washboards, which is quite interesting. · Boundary between Front and Back Halls · The water tank in the middle was used for the water supply of the inner chambers. Men from outside were not allowed to enter, reflecting the strict family management of the Kong Family Mansion. · Inner Chambers · Inner Chamber Gate - Anti-Greed Painting: Contains profound educational significance. · Front Upper Room - Where weddings and family banquets were held: Experience the atmosphere of important family events in the Kong Family Mansion. · Front Hall Building - The bedroom of the 76th Duke Yansheng, Kong Lingyi: A glimpse into the private living space of the Duke Yansheng. · Back Hall Building - The bedroom of the 77th Duke Yansheng, Kong Decheng: Learn about the living environment of Dukes Yansheng in different eras. · Garden Area · Back Garden: Here, you'll find the magical ancient trees of "Five Pines Embracing a Sophora," the meteorite from Tieshan Garden, grapefruits in the greenhouse, and a classic Western painting, full of surprises. 📸 Photo Spots · In front of the main gate, capture the entire view of the Kong Family Mansion, showcasing its grandeur. · Inside the halls, take photos with the exquisite architectural structures and decorations as backdrops. · At the screen door of the inner chambers, photograph the "Anti-Greed Painting." · In the garden, capture the scenery of clustered flowers, strangely shaped rocks, and the pond. 📌 Tips for Visiting · Learning some historical and cultural knowledge about the Kong Family Mansion beforehand will make the visit more meaningful. · Following the tour guides can provide a better understanding of the historical and cultural connotations behind the Kong Family Mansion. · If time permits, take your time to savor the architectural and cultural beauty of the Kong Family Mansion. The Qufu Kong Family Mansion is a great place to experience the beauty of Chinese halls and learn about traditional Chinese culture. Come and embark on a cultural journey! 😉