Top 10 amazing historical sites in China

By Lu Na: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, October 26, 2010

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San Kong (Temple, Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius)

Located in Qufu, Shandong Province, the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion are three important sites of Confucianism, which together are called "San Kong".

The Kong Family Mansion (孔府) is located east of the Temple of Confucius with an area of 13 hectares and contains over 480 buildings including halls and pavilions. The Kong Family Mansion is the largest of its kind from Chinese history.

Confucius Temple (孔庙) was originally built as a home for Confucius's eldest son, covering an area of 49 acres. Together with the Summer Palace in Beijing and the Mountain Resort of Chengde, the Temple of Confucius in Qufu is one of the three largest ancient architectural complexes in China. It garners fame not only for its grandness, but also for the rich cultural relics found there. The 2,100 pieces of steles remaining from various dynasties make for a fine exhibition of calligraphy and stone sculpture.

The Cemetery of Confucius (孔林) has the longest line of descendants in the world. The family and descendants of Confucius are buried here. The cemetery is famous for its arboretum, with over 1,000 mature trees, and botanic garden.

In 1994, the Mansion, the Cemetery of Confucius and the Temple of Confucius were listed together as a World Cultural Heritage site.

(1) Kong Family Mansion

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Admission: 60 yuan (Mar 1 - Nov 14)

150 yuan (for through ticket for Temple, Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius);

50 yuan (Nov 15 - Feb 28)

130 yuan (for through ticket for Temple, Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius);

Getting There: Take bus No.1, 3

(2) Confucius Temple

Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Admission: 90 yuan (from Mar 1 - Nov 14)

150 yuan (for through ticket for Temple, Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius);