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Travelling to Qufu has become much more convenient with the high-speed train which takes only 40 minutes from Jinan. The annual Qufu International Confucius Cultural Festival is definitely worth visiting as you can learn about the ancient teachings of Confucius. The best time to catch the high-speed train is in the morning where you can avoid large crowds. One of the earliest trains is at 8:02AM setting out from Jinan West Railway Station and arrives at Qufu East Railway Station, the entire journey takes only 38 minutes which means you can visit in the morning and return to Jinan in the evening.
The festival is held by the National Tourist Bureau and People`s Government of Shandong Province and is to commemorate the birthday of Confucius. Qufu International Confucius Cultural Festival is one of the most key tourist festivals in China.2018 was the 2569th birthday of Confucius and the 35th China Qufu International Confucius Cultural Festival. The festival will be held on September 24 to October 1 at the Confucius Temple in Qufu. From September 24 to September 29, the opening ceremony and Confucius poem recital will be held. The city is busy during the festival, especially in Temple of Confucius, Kong Family Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius. There will be tourists everywhere.
There are many activities that will take place at the "Three Kongs" which are interconnected with each other, which mean no transfers are needed as the attractions can be reached by walking. The best way to save time and see all the three attractions is to visit in the order of Confucius Temple, Kong Family Mansion and Cemetery of Confucius.
To navigate your way around the place there are signs outside of Confucius Temple, stating the direction to Kong Family Mansion. Kong Family Mansion is the former residence of the descendants of Confucius. The mansion is large with a long row of rooms, as well as magnificent garden. Only the rooms along the Central Axis are open to tourists.
The Cemetery of Confucius is the famous Kong Lin which is where the descendents of Confucius and some of his disciples are buried. At the front of the cemetery, there is Sacred Way, steles and Tombs. After touring the Cemetery of Confucius, you can make your way back to the train station by taxi to catch the train back to Jinan.