Located in Qufuf, Shansong Province, China, Confucian Cemetery has served as the family graveyard of Confucius and his descendants for more than two thousand years. So you may find the strong Confucianism atmosphere when you do sightseeing here. China uninterrupted continuity across generations is most simply and vividly represented in this cemetery of the country's most revered thinker.
Confucian Cemetery takes up about 1,998 square meters and around it there is a seven-kilometer-long hedge. It is the largest, oldest, and best-preserved single-family cemetery in China. This final resting place of Confucius and his descendants is commonly known as the Forest of Confucius because of the large number of trees, over 20,000, planted there by the Kong clan. At 200 hectares, the cemetery-cum-forest is China's largest artificial park, with numerous tombstones, temples, pavilions and sculptures.
The Confucian Cemetery is also a botanical garden, as there are over 42,000 trees in it, and the planting of trees in it started 2,400 years ago. After Confucius death in 479BC, most of his descendants and clansmen were buried in the cemetery, such as the tombs of his son Kong Li and grandson Kong Ji. It is said that there are more than ten thousand tombs in total in this place. The tomb of Confucius is the highlight in this place. It is 6.2 meters high and has a circumference of 88 meters. It has been expanding ever since. Various steles written by famous calligraphers here is another highlight if you are interested in Chinese calligraphy.
Together, the Confucian Temple, Confucian Family Mansion and Cemetery were made part of the world cultural heritage list in 1994.
Travel Guide
【Chinese name】: 孔林
【Best time to visit】: It is suitable for visiting all year around. The best time is in autumn, September and October, when the grand Confucius memorial ceremony will be held every year
【How to get there】: You may take Bus Route 2, 3, 5 to孔府南门 to reach the place. Or you may take walk from Confucian Temple for about 3 kilometers to reach Confucian Cemetery. Taking local tricycle or taxi is also recommended.