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Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery

Confucius Family Mansion (Kong Fu)

East of the Temple of Confucius, is the Confucius Family Mansion (Kong Fu). Kong is the family surname of Confucius and his descendants. The mansion is where his first son and the first grandson lived. In scope, it is next only to the royal palaces of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Dynasties came and went but the First Family under Heaven has lasted the longest.

Covering 39 acres, the mansion grounds house 463 buildings such as halls, pavilions, and towers that are divided into three parts. The Eastern part is the family temple, the Western institute and the Central main buildings. The Central part is then divided into two sections with the front being the office and the family residence behind. The garden is located at the back of the residence.

Though less splendid than the Forbidden City, the Mansion boasts luxury furnishings, exquisite decorations, and precious cultural relics. These relics, some given by emperors, some presented by high ranking officials and celebrities, and some purchased at a high price, are the most valuable resource for research on ancient Chinese history and culture.

This family mansion is the largest of its kind in Chinese history. In 1994, the Mansion, the Cemetery and the Temple were listed as World Cultural Heritage buildings.

Confucius Cemetery (Kong Lin)

More Photos of the Cemetery

At a location 1 km (0.62miles) north of Qufu, Shandong, one can visit this Cemetery where the family and descendants of Confucianism are buried. It has the longest line of descendants in the world. Record has it that this cemetery has already lasted 2340 years. At the time Confucius was buried there, the cemetery was about 1 qin ( 6.67hectares). It was continually expanded to over 3,000 mu (200 hectares) through constant l and grants by emperors of following dynasties. The walls here are 7 kilometers (4.35miles) long enclosing more than 10,000 tombs.

The sacred way that leads up to the cemetery is 1,266 meters (4,153 feet) and is lined with verdant pines and cedars. At the end of the road stands a wooden memorial archway - called the Most Sacred Cemetery (Zhi Sheng Lin), and is the gate to the Cemetery of Confucius.

The evolution of the Cemetery reflects the role of Confucianism through history. During his eventful life, the sage drifted from one place to another, The stone statues, sacred way

trying to persuade the authorities to adopt his philosophy, but with little success. It was during later dynasties that Confucianism gained popularity among the authorities. Therefore, before his tomb, a tombstone of the Master and the Most Sacred Wenxuan King was set up in 1443. To the east lies the tomb of his son, Kong Li, while to the south is the tomb of Kong Ji, his grandson. This configuration is called 'holding the son and hugging the grandson'; considered an ideal family pattern in China.

Beside the tombs stand steles inscribed with handwritings of the notable people of the times, and vibrant stone sculptures. The Cemetery is renowned for its natural botanical areas, largely owing to more than 1,000 mature trees. It is said that after the sage's death, disciples planted rare trees from all over China. Some of the trees are so rare that their proper names are yet unknown.

When you walk into the Cemetery and fully enjoy the treasures here, you will certainly be impressed by the role of the sage in Chinese culture.

Admission Fee:	Feb. 16 - Nov. 14: CNY 60 for Confucius Family Mansion; CNY 40 for Confucius Cemetery; CNY 140 for through ticket of the Temple, Cemetery and the Family Mansion.
	Nov. 15 - the next Feb. 15: CNY 50 for Confucius Family Mansion; CNY 30 for Confucius Cemetery; CNY 140 for through ticket.
	Free for children under 1.4m (4.6 feet).
Opening Hours:	07:30 to 16:30
Recommended Time for a Visit:	One and a half hours
Bus Route:	1, 3

Further Reading: Top 10 China Tourist Places for Culture Lovers

- Last updated on Jun. 26, 2023 -

Questions & Answers on Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery

Asked by JOELLA from PAKISTAN | Jun. 25, 2023 22:53

ARE CHILDREN ALOUD TO GO TO CEMETARY OF CONFUCIUS? FOR I AM 12 YEARS OLD.

Answers (1)

Answered by Fiona | Jun. 26, 2023 18:56

Yes, you can, under the companion of an adult.

Asked by Ashley Smith from UNITED STATES | Jul. 07, 2019 16:22

Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery Tickets for Children

My husband and I will be taking our 1 year old with us to visit the sites. Will it be necessary to purchase a ticket for him as well, or would he be free?

Answers (1)

Answered by Helen from USA | Jul. 08, 2019 01:49

It would be free for the children under 1.4m.

Asked by Kira from USA | Jul. 31, 2017 21:22

Does the 150RMB through ticket for Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery have to be used in one day?

can i use it over 2 days?

Answers (1)

Answered by Rita from SPAIN | Aug. 01, 2017 03:03

As I know, you can use this ticket in two days.

Asked by Ben Brower from USA | Oct. 30, 2016 23:28

What is the name of the Family Mansion and the Cemetery in Chinese characters?

I'd like to have a printout with the name and address of site in Chinese characters so that I can show it to the cab driver. The Qufu East Railway Station would be nice, too. Are you able to provide that?

Answers (1)

Answered by Adele from CHINA | Oct. 31, 2016 02:55

The family mansion and cemetery refer to 孔府 and 孔林 respectively. They are very famous sites. Just show the taxi driver the Chinese characters, and he/she will take you there correctly. The East Railway Station should be 曲阜东站.

Asked by Brendan from 中国-北京 | Nov. 05, 2013 18:57

Location of Confucius Family Mansion & Cemetery in Qufu

Hello, I intend to go to QF this weekend to see all three sites (the Temple, Family Mansion, and the Cemetery).

Where about are the cemetery and family mansion located in relation to the Temple?

Furthermore, what is the total estimated time needed for seeing all three places?

Thanks!

Answers (2)

Answered by Amir from PHILIPPINES | Nov. 05, 2013 19:54

The Temple and the Family Mansion are together in one area and the Cemetery is about 3km away from the Temple. You can take a taxi to reach the Cemetery from the temple area.
for all these places, it is suggested to use about three hours.

Answered by Brendan from CHINA | Nov. 07, 2013 20:34

Thanks for the consultation! Ive booked my tickets for a 5 hour window.