[2025 Qufu Attraction] Travel Guide for Statue of Confucius (Updated Oct)

Qufu, Shandong Hiking Travel Guide: Journey Through the Millennia-Old Sacred City to Discover the Origin of Confucian Culture Preface: Why Choose to Hike in Qufu? Qufu, the hometown of Confucius and the birthplace of Confucian culture, is known as the "Eastern Sacred City." It boasts not only profound cultural heritage but also well-preserved ancient architecture, tranquil rural paths, and beautiful natural scenery. Hiking is the best way to experience Qufu—you can stroll beneath the millennia-old city walls, wander through the halls of the Confucius Temple and Mansion, walk along country lanes, and immerse yourself in Confucian culture step by step. This guide covers the best hiking routes, equipment recommendations, transportation options, food and lodging suggestions, and cultural experiences to help you plan an in-depth cultural hiking trip in Qufu. 1. Preparation Before the Trip 1. Best Hiking Time ✅ March to May (pleasant spring weather, apricot and pear blossoms in full bloom) ✅ September to November (clear autumn skies, golden ginkgo leaves, ideal for hiking) ⚠️ **Summer (June to August)** is hot; early morning or evening hikes are recommended ⚠️ **Winter (December to February)** is cold, but the Three Confucian Sites have a unique charm after snowfall 2. How to Get to Qufu? High-speed Rail: Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Rail "Qufu East Station," about 15 km from downtown Airplane: The nearest airport is Jining Qufu Airport (limited flights); it is recommended to fly to Jinan Yaoqiang Airport and then transfer by high-speed rail Self-driving: Accessible via Jing-Tai Expressway (G3) and Ri-Lan Expressway (G1511) 3. Hiking Equipment Checklist Category Essential Items Clothing Lightweight breathable clothes, sun-protective clothing, sun hat Shoes Comfortable hiking shoes (many ancient city stone pavements) Tools Folding umbrella (for rain and sun protection), water bottle Cultural Notebook (to record insights), pocket edition of The Analects Others Sunscreen, power bank, camera 2. Classic Hiking Route Recommendations Route 1: Sacred City Cultural Axis (1 day) Distance: About 8 km Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (mostly flat) Highlights: ✔ Visit the "Three Confucian Sites" World Cultural Heritage in one go ✔ Deeply experience Confucian architectural art ✔ Experience the ancient city life with morning bells and evening drums Itinerary: Morning: Wanren Palace Wall (main gate of the Ming ancient city) → Confucius Temple (2 hours hiking tour) → Confucius Mansion (1.5 hours) Lunch: Taste Qufu specialty snacks on Yan Temple Street Afternoon: Confucius Forest (2 hours hiking, visit Confucius’ tomb) → Zushi Academy (1 hour) Evening: Stroll along the moat walkway and enjoy the ancient city night view Hiking Tips: Confucius Temple opens at 7:30 AM; it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds Confucius Forest is large; bicycles can be rented inside (cycling allowed) Route 2: Nishan Sacred Cultural Hike (1 day) Distance: About 12 km Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (some mountain paths) Highlights: ✔ Visit Nishan, the birthplace of Confucius ✔ World’s tallest Confucius statue (72 meters high) ✔ Immersive "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" performance Itinerary: Morning: Qufu city → Nishan Academy (3 km mountain hiking) Noon: Lunch at Nishan Academy Hotel Afternoon: Hike to Nishan Sacred Site (visit university hall, Confucius statue) Evening: Watch drone show over the lake and return Transportation Tips: Direct shuttle bus available from Qufu Bus Station; hiking enthusiasts are recommended to walk the entire route Route 3: Shimen Mountain - Jiuxian Mountain Natural Cultural Line (2 days 1 night) Distance: About 25 km Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (requires some physical strength) Highlights: ✔ The place where Li Bai and Du Fu toured together ✔ Ming Dynasty cliff inscriptions ✔ Ancient mountain temples and waterfalls Itinerary: Day 1: Qufu → Shimen Temple (4 hours hiking uphill) → Overnight at Shimen Mountain Lodge Day 2: Cross to Jiuxian Mountain (6 hours) → Visit Shaohao Mausoleum → Return to city Professional Tips: Bring trekking poles (some sections are steep) In spring, enjoy the vast pear blossom gardens 3. In-depth Cultural Experiences 1. Must-See Cultural Ceremonies Morning Bell and Evening Drum: Daily opening and closing ceremony at Wanren Palace Wall of Confucius Temple Confucius Sacrificial Music and Dance: Performed every Saturday morning in front of the Dacheng Hall of Confucius Temple The Analects Recitation: Regularly held at the university hall in Nishan Sacred Site 2. Special Experience Activities Rubbing Making: Experience stone inscription rubbing at Confucius Mansion cultural shop Wei Bian San Jue (Three Rare Bamboo Books): Try bamboo slip binding at Confucius Six Arts City Guqin Study: Traditional guqin music lessons on Yan Temple Street 3. Cultural Hiking Suggestions 📌 Watch the documentary "Confucius" in advance 📌 Carry The Analects to read while walking 📌 Try recording travel impressions with a brush pen 4. Food, Lodging, and Supplies 1. Accommodation Recommendations Boutique Hotels inside the Ancient City: Que Li Guesthouse (four-star, next to Confucius Temple) Mingzuo Xingtan Hotel (courtyard-style design) Specialty Homestays: Three Confucian Academy Homestay (experience sutra copying) Drum Tower South Alley Homestay (renovated old house) 2. Must-Try Foods Confucius Mansion Banquet: Scallops at court, poetic ginkgo dishes Street Snacks: Smoked tofu, scallion pancakes, Confucian pastries Special Drinks: Confucius Mansion family wine, mulberry leaf tea 3. Supply Points Convenience stores are dense inside the ancient city Yan Temple Street and Wuma Temple Street are food hubs Bring enough water for mountain routes 5. Notes 1. Cultural Etiquette ⚠️ No loud noises inside Confucius Temple and Mansion ⚠️ Avoid using flash photography on Confucius statues ⚠️ Maintain solemnity during sacrificial ceremonies 2. Safety Tips 🚸 Be careful on slippery ancient city stone pavements 🚸 Hiking in mountain areas is recommended in groups 🚸 Keep the "Three Confucian Sites" combined ticket safe (valid for one day) 3. Environmental Protection Initiatives ♻️ Do not touch stone inscriptions or cultural relics ♻️ Do not carve on ancient buildings ♻️ Use reusable water cups 6. Travel Reflections: The Unique Value of Hiking in Qufu Hiking in Qufu is a cultural dialogue spanning 2,500 years. Here, you can: 📜 Touch living culture—every inscription tells a story of history 🏯 Feel the rhythm of architecture—from the flying eaves of Dacheng Hall to the horse-head walls in ordinary alleys 🌄 Discover unexpected scenery—dandelions under the ancient city wall, Han dynasty stone carvings suddenly appearing by country roads It is recommended to take a solitary walk in Confucius Forest at 6 AM, watching sunlight filter through thousand-year-old cypress trees; in the evening, sit by the moat and listen to elders reciting The Analects in dialect. This is the most touching side of Qufu. May your hike become a pilgrimage of the soul.

The four most beautiful counties in Shandong, visiting them all is a total win This holiday, avoid the crowds and check in at four hidden gem counties in Shandong. A 4-day itinerary with a relaxed pace lets you enjoy secret mountain and water landscapes while immersing yourself in Qilu culture, easily gaining an enviable deep travel experience to share with your friends! Pre-trip preparations - Transportation: Prioritize high-speed rail (all four counties are accessible by high-speed rail, with Jinan/Qingdao as main transfer hubs). Renting a car for self-driving within the counties is recommended (flexible and convenient, some scenic spots require mountain road driving). Download offline maps on "Gaode/Baidu Maps" in advance. - Accommodation: Stay one night in each county, choosing hotels in the county center or near scenic spots, such as staying near Song City in Qingzhou or seaside homestays in Penglai, convenient for dining and saving commute time. - Items: Prepare comfortable hiking shoes, sun hats, and portable water bottles; bring a light jacket for Penglai’s seaside; check opening hours of each scenic spot in advance and prepare simple historical and cultural knowledge to enhance the tour’s fun. Daily itinerary: A perfect blend of scenery and culture Day 1: Qingzhou Ancient City — Traveling through a millennium of Song Dynasty charm - Morning: Arrive early to visit "Qingzhou Ancient City" (free admission, opens at 8:00), focus on walking "Ouyuan Street" and "Wei Street," see the Ming Dynasty Hengwang Mansion stone archway and Qing Dynasty Zhaode ancient buildings, and check in at the "Fucai Gate" city tower. - Noon: Eat local snacks at "Old Locust Tree Fried Buns" inside the ancient city, order fried buns, tofu pudding, and honey three knives, and experience the bustling local life. - Afternoon: Visit "Qingzhou Museum" (book one day in advance), see the treasures "Top Scholar Scroll" and "Jade Bi for Descendants," climb "Yunmen Mountain" at dusk, and check in at the "Longevity" stone carving. - Evening: Stroll the ancient city’s night scene, watch lanterns light up, and have barbecue on "Dongguan Street" to experience the ancient city nightlife. Day 2: Penglai Wonderland — Encounter mountain and sea romance - Morning: Check in at "Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area" (book one day in advance), walk the "Tianheng Mountain plank road" to view the sea, see the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" sculpture, and climb the pavilion to feel the legend of the "mirage." - Noon: Eat fresh seafood at a "seafood food stall" near the scenic area, order steamed crab and oil-braised prawns, and avoid low-price traps. - Afternoon: Take a boat to "Changdao," stroll "Crescent Bay" to collect colorful pebbles, see the sea erosion landform at "Jiuzhang Cliff," and watch the sunset over the sea at dusk. - Evening: Stay at a homestay on Changdao, eat seafood noodles made by the owner, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Day 3: Qufu Ancient City — Exploring the roots of Confucianism - Morning: Visit the "Three Confucian Sites" (book two days in advance, combo tickets are more cost-effective), first go to the "Confucius Temple" to see the Dacheng Hall and Apricot Altar, then walk through the "Confucius Mansion" to feel the ancient noble residence, and finally visit the "Confucius Forest" to see thousand-year-old cypress trees. - Noon: Have a Confucius Mansion banquet at "Quelibinshe," order specialty dishes like "Poetry and Courtesy Ginkgo" and "Scallops Attending the Court," and experience cultural cuisine. - Afternoon: Visit "Nishan Holy Land," watch the live performance "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration," stand at the foot of the "Confucius Statue" to feel Confucian culture, and stroll "Nishan Academy" at dusk. - Evening: Stay in downtown Qufu, browse cultural and creative shops on "Wuma Temple Street," and buy Analects bookmarks and Confucian-themed accessories. Day 4: Yiyuan Mountain City — Unlocking secret mountain and water landscapes - Morning: Check in at "Lushan National Forest Park," walk the "forest trail" to breathe in negative oxygen ions, see "Lushan Waterfall" and "One Line Sky," and experience "forest rafting" (family-friendly). - Noon: Eat Yimeng cuisine at a "farmhouse restaurant" near the scenic area, order "Yimeng Stir-fried Chicken" and "Wild Vegetable Tofu," and drink "Yiyuan Apple Juice." - Afternoon: Visit the "Yiyuan Karst Caves," see the stalactite wonders of "Shilong Cave" and "Yangshen Cave," and feel the magic of underground caves; at dusk, take a walk in "Yi River Park" and watch the mountain city sunset. - Evening: Before returning, buy "Yiyuan apples" and "Red Fuji" as souvenirs to bring the taste of mountain and water home. Tips - Penglai Pavilion, Three Confucian Sites, and Nishan Holy Land require advance booking; set alarms to grab tickets during holidays to avoid no tickets on site. - The itinerary is flexible; pay attention to driving safety on mountain roads; hiring a guide in Qufu is recommended for a deeper understanding of Confucian culture. - Qingzhou and Qufu ancient cities have large crowds; keep your belongings safe; Yiyuan mountain area has big temperature differences, adjust clothing timely. Hope this trip lets you gain unforgettable and unique travel memories in Shandong’s ancient cities, mountains, seas, and secret places!

✨✨✨✨ In Qufu, the birthplace of Confucian culture, every inch of land flows with the bloodline of millennia-old civilization⚡ Every ancient site tells the wisdom of the sages～ This is definitely the best place to take your kids to learn history and experience traditional culture🏯 🚄【Day 1】Beijing South → Qufu East 🏨 Stay: Moshan Qingju Hotel (Qufu City Central Branch) 📍 Address: Intersection of Chunqiu Road and Jianshe Road, Qufu City Must-check-in route👇 Confucius Temple - Confucius Mansion - Yan Temple - Confucius Forest - Liaohe Ancient Street (night tour) ✨ "Three Confucian" cultural relics area combined ticket price: 140 RMB/person ✨ Opening hours: 8:00-17:30 💡 Travel tips: 1️⃣ Confucius Temple audio guide 30 RMB/device, a must-rent! Much more reliable than roadside "wild" guides 2️⃣ Be sure to check in at Xingtan, tell your kids the story of Confucius’ education here 3️⃣ Liaohe Ancient Street night view is stunning, recommended to come after 6 PM 🌃 Don’t miss at night: Wanren Palace Wall "Great Confucius" light and shadow show ⏰ Time: 19:30-20:30 🎫 Ticket: Free 🚶‍♀️【Day 2】Confucius Museum → Nishan Holy Land 🏨 Stay: Nishan Academy Hotel 📍 Address: No.1 Shenghu Road, Nishan Town, Qufu City 📍 Confucius Museum guide: 🎫 Ticket: Free (reservation required) ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 ✨ Must-see: Confucius statue, Six Arts Hall, Analects Mirror Corridor 📍 Nishan Holy Land guide: 🎫 Ticket: 160 RMB/person ✨ Must-check-in: 72-meter Confucius statue, "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" performance ⏰ Show times: 14:00 / 19:30 (advance reservation recommended) 🔥 Don’t miss at night: Drone show + fireworks (weather permitting) ⏰ Time: 20:15-20:30 👨👩👧【Day 3】Luyuan Village → Home 📍 Luyuan Village practical guide: 🎫 Ticket: Free ⏰ Opening hours: All day ✨ Features: NPC interactive Q&A to win silver tickets, cultural market 💰 Tried and tested activities: 1️⃣ Answer questions with NPCs together with your kids to win silver tickets 2️⃣ Exchange silver tickets for intangible cultural heritage gifts 3️⃣ Look forward to next time to see the iron flower and fish lantern parade 🍢 Food recommendations: Barbecue on Liaohe Ancient Street is pretty good～ Locals recommend: Confucius Mansion Banquet (a bit pricey but authentic) 📚 Study tips: 1️⃣ Learn about Confucius’ life with your kids in advance 2️⃣ Prepare Hanfu for photos to enhance the experience 3️⃣ March to May is the best season to visit 🌿 Qufu is like a living Confucian textbook. Coming here is not just tourism, but a dialogue with the great sage✨

🏯 [Blogger Test] From the Holy Land of Nishan to the Peak of Mount Tai: Shandong 3 Days Humanities and Nature Guide As a strategy blogger who focuses on destination consumption, this article packages Shandong's "Confucian culture + mountain magnificence" into a 3-day itinerary, testing 1000 yuan per person to enjoy the Nishan light show and Taishan climbing, attached to save money techniques and beautiful photo guide ~ 📅Day 1: Nishan Holy Land · Night Tour Confucian Holy Land (RMB 260 per person) Core gameplay: - Daytime exploration: Nishan Holy Land Tickets 100 yuan (students half price), must-see Confucius statue (72 meters high, in the morning light to take a frontal panorama), the interior of the university hall "Golden Sound Jade Vibration" relief (use a wide-angle lens to photograph the symmetrical beauty of the dome and columns). - Night tour highlight: 19:30 "Golden Voice Jade Vibration" live performance (160 yuan including tickets more cheap), lights projected in the mountains and rivers, drone formation formed the words "Runyu", ending Kongming lanterns in the sky super shocking. Consumption tip: Take a taxi from Qufu city to Nishan 30 yuan (shared ride per person 15 yuan), scenic restaurant dishes are high, it is recommended to bring your own Qufu smoked tofu (10 yuan / portion, local characteristics). 📅Day2: Mount Tai Summit · Dialogue between Nature and Faith (RMB 380 per person) Mountaineering strategy: - Route choose "Tianwai Village - Zhongtianmen" ride (RMB 30) + "Zhongtianmen - Nantianmen" cable car (RMB 100), save effort and you can see the panoramic view of the eighteen steep stairs (bright noon, wearing sunglasses for backlight silhouette). - Must-see: Jade Emperor Peak "Five Mountains Unique" stone carvings (less people queue before 8 am), Bixia Temple Golden Peak (incense shrouded in the middle shadow ancient buildings and clouds in the same frame). Guide to avoiding pits: Peak mineral water 5 yuan / bottle (bring 1 bottle is enough), do not buy "prayer lock" (premium 3 times, mountain supermarket 10 yuan / handle). Night climb to watch the sunrise choose 22:00 departure, rent a military jacket 30 yuan / piece (10 yuan cheaper than the summit). 📅Day 3: Cultural Relics · Return Souvenirs (RMB 180 per person) Morning: Dai Temple at the foot of Mount Tai (30 yuan, see the murals of Song Tiancheng Hall, take beautiful photos of Hanfu under the ancient cypress). Souvenir procurement: - Qufu "Kongfu Cake" (15 yuan/box, walnut cake must buy), Taishan "Red Ginseng Tea" (80 yuan/jin, cheaper pharmacies outside the scenic spot). - Try Tai'an fried chicken for lunch (RMB 50 per person, choose "fried chicken old shop", add potato stew for more flavor). Transportation tip: Qufu → Tai'an high-speed rail 25 minutes (fare 29 yuan), save 1.5 hours than taking a taxi. 💡Blogger Summary The lights of Nishan light up the thousand-year cultural heritage, the stone steps of Taishan bear the footprints of climbers from ancient to modern times, and the 3-day trip makes humanity and nature collide. Collect this article, comment "Shandong" in the comment section to send you a detailed consumption list, follow the play will not waste money ~ ✨

📍 Location: Nishan Town, Qufu, Shandong (Birthplace of Confucius) ⏰ Recommended visit: 1 day (including night tour) 🎫 Ticket: CNY 160/person (purchase tickets online 1 day in advance for discounts) 🚗 Transportation: • Self-driving: Navigate to "Luyuan Parking Lot, Nishan Holy Land". Parking fee is CNY 10/day. • High-speed train: About 30 minutes by taxi from Qufu East Station (about CNY 50), or take the scenic area shuttle bus (CNY 30/person). • Bus: Take bus K29/K30 from Qufu city to Luyuan Tourist Center, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus. 🌟 Must-see attractions 1️⃣ Confucius Statue: The world's largest Confucius bronze statue, 72m high, is majestic and solemn, perfect for panoramic photos. 2️⃣ Great Learning Hall: • Ren Hall: A combination of Dongyang wood carving and Suzhou embroidery. Experience reading the Analects by hand (free). • Seventy-Two Sages Gallery: Bronze sculptures tell the stories of Confucius' disciples. The light and shadow interaction is super stunning. • Golden Sound and Jade Vibration Show: A must-see! A 1-hr large-scale ritual and music drama that takes you through thousands of years to experience Confucian culture (CNY 135/person, it is recommended to book tickets in advance). 3️⃣ Nishan Confucian Temple: Built in the Five Dynasties, with red walls and gray tiles, it is beautiful with few people. 4️⃣ Nishan Night Tour: • Nishan Holy Show: Drone + water screen light show, starts at 19:30 (free). • Fireworks Show: Fireworks are set off at 20:30 on weekends and holidays (subject to weather conditions). 🍜 Food recommendations • Fuzi Noodle Restaurant: Handmade noodles with broth, rich wheat flavor (CNY 30/person). • Wuluntang: Confucian cuisine set menu, recommended "Poetry and Etiquette Ginkgo" and "Daizi Shangchao". • Changpingji: Snack street, try Shandong pancakes and meat rice. 🏨 Accommodation recommendations • Nishan Academy Hotel: Located in the scenic area, with Chinese courtyard design and breakfast included (about CNY 800/night). • Qufu City: Cost-effective, recommended "Que Li Binshe", within walking distance to the Three Confucius scenic spots (about CNY 400/night). ⚠️ Precautions 1. Show time: "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration" has 3 shows daily (10:30/14:00/19:00). Enter 30 minutes in advance. 2. Best season: Spring and autumn (March–May/September–November), avoid the high temperatures in summer and the cold winds in winter. 3. Dress code: It is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers. The air conditioning in the Great Learning Hall is strong, so bring a light jacket. 4. Photo spots: Square in front of the Confucius statue, dome of the Great Learning Hall, and the Shengshui Lake viewing platform. 📸 Photography tips • Confucius statue: Shoot from a low angle to make it look taller, and shoot silhouettes against the light in the evening. • Great Learning Hall: Red pillars + light and shadow in Ren Hall, symmetrical composition in the corridor. • Night tour: Use a tripod for long exposures to capture the trajectories of drones and fireworks. 🎁 Souvenirs • Analects Bamboo Slips: Great Learning Hall cultural and creative shop, customizable engraving. • Nishan Inkstone: A traditional Shandong inkstone, a cultural gift. 💡 Itinerary reference • Morning: Great Learning Hall (Read the Analects by hand → Seventy-Two Sages Gallery → Ren Hall) • Noon: Lunch at Fuzi Noodle Restaurant • Afternoon: Confucius Statue → Nishan Confucian Temple → Stroll around Shengshui Lake • Evening: Golden Sound and Jade Vibration Show • Night: Nishan Night Tour (Light Show + Fireworks) 📌 Summary: Nishan Holy Land perfectly combines Confucian culture with modern art, making it suitable for parent-child study tours, culture lovers, and photography enthusiasts. It is recommended to travel during off-peak hours to avoid the peak tourist season and deeply experience the thousand-year-old civilization of ritual and music.

It's no exaggeration to say that Nishan Holy Land in this season is a real-life paradise. It has its own beauty in both the day and night. "I yearn for it even though I cannot reach it." ✨ 4 Unmissable Heart-Stirring Moments in 2025 1️⃣ The 72-meter-tall statue of Confucius stands at the end of Tianming Avenue. Looking up, the majestic momentum rushes towards you, and your soul seems to be struck by thousands of years of wisdom. When night falls and the lights are on, the statue exudes a soft glow, which is even more solemn and awe-inspiring under the backdrop of the night. 2️⃣ Stepping into the performance venue of "Golden Sound and Jade Vibration", the 360° rotating stage is matched with the beautiful holographic projection. In an instant, time goes back, and the life of Confucius unfolds like a picture scroll. Following in his footsteps to travel around the world, feeling his persistence and perseverance, tears have blurred his eyes unconsciously, and his heart is deeply touched. 3️⃣ The night is the most romantic moment in Nishan Holy Land. The drone fireworks show and the water curtain light and shadow are intertwined, projecting Confucian allusions into the vast starry sky. When drones cleverly arrange the classic quotations from the "Analects", and the splendid fireworks waterfall pours into the Holy Water Lake, everything in front of you is as beautiful as a dream, as if time has stopped for this romance. 4️⃣ Luyuan Village, an ancient village of the Ming Dynasty that opened in May this year. Stepping into it, you will find green bricks and gray tiles, simple and peaceful. Experience the traditional lacquerware production by hand, and feel the ancient charm flowing from your fingertips; take a bite of the hot Kongfu pancake, and the mellow wheat aroma will instantly awaken your taste buds. The sense of crossing here is full, and in a trance, it seems that you have dreamed back to the Ming Dynasty. 🏮 [Luyuan Village: Grand Opening on May 1st, Unlocking a New Chapter of the Ancient Village] Luyuan Village opens on May 1! This ancient village with a thousand-year history, with "Ritual and Music Hometown" as its soul, is full of fireworks between the green bricks and gray tiles, and you can truly feel the warmth of the countryside. This spring, come to Nishan Holy Land for a date with the galaxy and the sages! Whether it is flower viewing in spring, cultural exploration, or night carnival, here can satisfy all your fantasies about a good trip.