About 30km southeast of Qufu, this cave on Ni Mountain (尼山, Ní Shān) is where, according to legend, a frighteningly ugly Confucius was born, abandoned and cared for by a tiger and an eagle, before his mother realised he was sent from heaven and decided to care for him. The gravitas is a bit hokey, but the sight offers a chance for some fresh air. Bus 30 (¥1) goes to Ni Shan from Qufu Bus Station. A taxi is about ¥40.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.22 MILES
Like shrines to Confucius throughout China and Asia, this is more museum than altar. The heart of the complex is the huge yellow-eaved Dacheng Hall (大成殿,…
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14.23 MILES
Next to Confucius Temple is this maze of living quarters, halls, studies and further studies. The mansion buildings were moved from the temple grounds to…
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14.74 MILES
About 1km north of the walled town on Lindao Lu is the peaceful Confucius Forest, a cemetery of pine and cypress covering 200 hectares and bounded by a…
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15.89 MILES
A portrait of ancient China and tranquillity, the Mencius Temple originally dates to the Song dynasty; it bears the marks of past anti-Confucian mood…
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15.9 MILES
It's fun to explore the myriad courtyards and gardens at Mencius Family Mansion, which among other things exhibits the family’s living quarters, including…
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14.19 MILES
This tranquil temple northeast of Confucius Mansion is dedicated to Confucius’ beloved disciple Yan Hui, whose death at age 32 caused the understated…
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14.13 MILES
Qufu's Drum Tower stands at the centre of the old walled town at the point where Gulou Dajie – named after the Bell Tower – divides into its northern and…
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15.6 MILES
This museum on Shunhe Lu displays a collection of items relating to Zoucheng through history. Note the very long lunch break.
Nearby Shandong attractions
14.13 MILES
Qufu's Drum Tower stands at the centre of the old walled town at the point where Gulou Dajie – named after the Bell Tower – divides into its northern and…
14.19 MILES
This tranquil temple northeast of Confucius Mansion is dedicated to Confucius’ beloved disciple Yan Hui, whose death at age 32 caused the understated…
14.21 MILES
The small and charming brick bell tower stands astride the road at the centre of town, to the east of the Confucius Temple.
14.22 MILES
Like shrines to Confucius throughout China and Asia, this is more museum than altar. The heart of the complex is the huge yellow-eaved Dacheng Hall (大成殿,…
14.23 MILES
Next to Confucius Temple is this maze of living quarters, halls, studies and further studies. The mansion buildings were moved from the temple grounds to…
14.74 MILES
About 1km north of the walled town on Lindao Lu is the peaceful Confucius Forest, a cemetery of pine and cypress covering 200 hectares and bounded by a…
15.6 MILES
This museum on Shunhe Lu displays a collection of items relating to Zoucheng through history. Note the very long lunch break.
15.89 MILES
A portrait of ancient China and tranquillity, the Mencius Temple originally dates to the Song dynasty; it bears the marks of past anti-Confucian mood…