The outer wall of the Kong Mansion on Banbi Street, a must-visit spot in early winter

Qufu Early Winter Travel Photography Guide｜Kong Mansion and Confucius Temple + Banbi Street Internet-famous Check-in, Stay at the Right Hotel for a Worry-free Photo Trip 1. Core Check-in Highlights (Early Winter Limited Edition) 1. The Three Confucian Sites (Confucius Temple + Kong Mansion) - Must-shoot scenes: The towering palace walls of the Confucius Temple framed with golden ginkgo leaves, red walls and black tiles complementing the falling golden leaves, naturally creating an ancient style filter; the Kong Mansion’s hanging flower gate and the Apricot Altar (Confucius’s lecture site) are perfect spots blending culture and nature. Enter before 8 AM for stunning empty shots. - Photo tips: Wear light-colored clothes or Hanfu, use side lighting to capture ginkgo shadows, avoid harsh noon light; the Thirteen Stele Pavilion’s inscriptions intertwined with ginkgo branches are ideal for atmospheric close-ups. - Ticket info: Three Confucian Sites combined ticket 140 RMB (valid for 7 days), free for seniors over 60 and children under 6, half price for students with ID. 2. Banbi Street Internet-famous Street - Must-visit experience: Golden ginkgo is an early winter exclusive, best photo time is 9:30-11:30 AM. Along the street are artistic shops, coffee shops, and Hanfu experience stores blending local life with trendy vibes. - Check-in tips: Street benches, vintage doors and windows, and piles of fallen ginkgo leaves serve as props, paired with coffee cups and creative souvenirs for photos; at dusk, the lights on and ginkgo with shop night scenes create a more atmospheric vibe. 2. Itinerary Planning (1-2 days suitable) 1-Day Highlights (Efficient Photo Trip) - 07:30 Depart from Home Inn Business Hotel (15-minute walk to Confucius Temple South Gate), arrive early to watch the temple opening ceremony and shoot empty ginkgo ancient architecture photos. - 08:00-10:30 Tour the Confucius Temple, focus on shooting the towering palace walls, Dacheng Hall, and ginkgo scenery around the Apricot Altar. - 10:30-12:00 Visit Kong Mansion, check in at the hanging flower gate and Tanbi, appreciate ancient architectural aesthetics. - 12:00-13:30 Lunch recommended at Que Li Walking Street’s Old Flavor Braised Pork Rice, must order braised pork + marinated egg and gluten platter, about 30 RMB per person to fully enjoy local flavors. - 14:00-16:30 Deep check-in at Banbi Street, browse artistic shops, shoot the ginkgo tunnel, and enjoy teppanyaki afternoon tea. - 17:00 Return to hotel to rest, or take a night stroll at Minggu City Pedestrian Street, buy Analects bookmarks and Confucius figurines as souvenirs. 2-Day Leisure Version (Slow Photo and Stroll) - Day 1: Same as the 1-day highlights itinerary, dinner can be at Banbi Street’s Sunflower Teppanyaki for a fresh-made dining experience. - Day 2: Morning shoot around the hotel, visit Yan Temple (20 RMB ticket) in the morning for serene ancient architecture, afternoon check-in at the outskirts of Nishan Holy Land (free), shoot panoramic views of the 72-meter Confucius statue, return in the evening. 3. Accommodation Recommendation: Home Inn Business Hotel Qufu Three Confucian Sites Confucius Temple Branch - Core advantage: 5-minute walk to Confucius Temple South Gate, only 10 minutes to Banbi Street, achieving “step outside and check-in,” saving travel hassle. - Practical facilities: Free parking, quick check-in service, clean and tidy rooms, some with scenic windows, suitable for organizing travel photography gear and photo backup. - Travel tips: Taxi starting fare around the hotel is 10 RMB, take bus K01 (2 RMB) to Qufu East Station, or taxi about 25 RMB, convenient transportation. 4. Useful Tips 1. Confucius Museum is closed on Mondays, be sure to avoid closed days; wear comfortable sports shoes as there is a lot of walking in the scenic area. 2. Free public guided tours can be booked, or rent an audio guide (30 RMB) for deeper cultural understanding and better photos. 3. Ginkgo leaves are best from mid-November to early December; check the weather in advance, sunny days offer better light and shadow effects.