Practical Tips

Qufu is quite small and easy to navigate. Upon entering the city, the temple and mansion complexes are easily recognizable by the pavilions and pagodas that rise above the rest of the city's skyline.

The winters are bitterly cold, though a heavy coat and gloves should do the trick. The summers are brutally hot, with temperatures often soaring to about 35°C. The best times to visit are either during the spring or fall. There's a festival commemorating Confucius' birthday on September 28 that takes over the entire city, the celebrations last until October 10. From April to October, there's an outdoor performance of traditional Confucian dances and music at the Xingtan Theater. The show begins at 8pm and tickets are RMB 40 per person.