Great Temple of Confucius

The Great Temple of Confucius is located in Qufu, Shandong province, China. Qufu is renowned as the birthplace and home of Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. The temple complex, which originated shortly after Confucius's death in 479 BCE, has expanded over more than 2,000 years. It is an extensive complex of temples, shrines, monuments, and pavilions covering about 49 acres.12

The temple houses a large statue of Confucius surrounded by his disciples. While Confucian temples typically do not display images, Qufu, managed by Confucius's descendants, includes statues of the sage. The site also contains a house on the location of Confucius's former residence, an ancient tree said to have been planted by him, and a well from which he drank. The entire complex, including the family cemetery containing Confucius's tomb, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.12