Qufu, China - Travel Guide

Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius and a deeply significant historical and cultural site. Visitors can explore the magnificent Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion, and the Cemetery of Confucius, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer a profound insight into traditional Chinese thought and history.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay2 days

Budget$60/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Confucius' HometownBirthplace of ConfuciusShandongNishanMount Tai

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Extreme cold season: Dec
Feb
Extreme hot season: Jun
Aug
Monsoon season: Jun
Aug

Getting There

Fly to Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport (JNA) and take a high
speed train to Qufu East Station (approx
1 hour, \~$15
25 USD)
High
speed train directly to Qufu East from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou (e
g
, Beijing to Qufu: 2
3 hours, \~$50
70 USD)

Getting Around

Local buses are widely available
Taxis are common and can be hailed or booked via Didi (China's ride
sharing app equivalent)
Shared electric scooters/bikes are an option for short distances

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (e
g
, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid)
Consult a doctor for specific recommendations for China
No specific altitude or malaria concerns in Qufu

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available in China
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are the major carriers
Airalo, Nomad, and other international eSIM providers often have plans for China (be aware of potential VPN needs for certain services)

Local Cuisine

Banquet of Confucius Mansion (Kongfu Yan) regional_speciality

This is a grand feast originally served to guests of the Kong Family. It is an indispensable part of Shandong cuisine, featuring elaborate dishes like

Smoked Bean Curd (Xun Doufu) snack

A traditional local snack with a unique savory flavor, often found being sold around the city. This simple yet flavorful dish is a classic example of

Cakes of Confucius Mansion (Kongfu Gaodian) dessert

Unique desserts with a long history, traditionally passed down through generations of the Confucius family. These cakes vary from season to season, sh

Double Chickens (Yuan Yang Ji) must_try

One of the distinctive and notable dishes associated with Qufu cuisine, often featured in the grand 'Banquet of Confucius Mansion'. It is a culinary h

Pancake made of Millet Flour street_food

A local, savory pancake sold throughout the city, providing a taste of local Qufu flavor. This is a common and accessible option for those exploring t

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Flights to Qufu (Jining Qufu Airport) Transport

Book at least 4 weeks in advance for better pricing.

Booking domestic flights (the primary way to arrive) at least 28 days in advance is typically cheaper and ensures availability, especially during peak Chinese travel times.

Tickets/Tours for the San Kong UNESCO Site Attraction

Book 2-6 weeks in advance, especially for guided tours.

The San Kong sites (Temple, Cemetery, and Family Mansion) are the primary attractions in Qufu and guided tours often fill up, particularly during weekends and holidays.

Fun Facts

1. The Confucius Cemetery (Kong Lin) is considered one of the largest cemeteries globally, spanning over 200 hectares and enclosing more than 10,000 tombs, including that of Confucius and his descendants.
2. The Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao) is one of the three largest ancient architectural complexes in China, distinguished by its 2,100 pieces of steles, fine calligraphy, and stone sculptures.
3. Qufu is often referred to as the "Holy City of the East" due to its historical and cultural significance as the hometown of the philosopher Confucius.
4. The Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu) was the historical residence for Confucius's direct descendants, who maintained their lineage there for centuries.

Ready to explore Qufu?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip