Confucius Forest (孔林), also known as Kong Lin or the Cemetery of Confucius, is an ancient and revered burial site in Qufu, Shandong Province. It serves as the family cemetery of Confucius and his descendants, forming an integral part of the “Three Confucian Sites” along with the Confucius Temple and the Kong Family Mansion.
Confucius Forest was established in 479 BC during the reign of Duke Ai of Lu in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Spanning nearly 2 million square meters, it is the largest and oldest continuously used clan cemetery in China. The forest contains over 100,000 tombs, including the graves of Confucius and many of his descendants up to the 76th generation, with the last burial recorded in 1919.
The cemetery is connected to the city by a sacred pathway and a gate, symbolizing the eternal connection between the living and the deceased. The grave of Confucius is situated in the central part of the forest, marked by a distinctive mound shaped like a reclining axe. Over the centuries, various dynasties have contributed to the construction and embellishment of the site. During the Han Dynasty, a shrine was built; the Song Dynasty added stone carvings; the Yuan Dynasty erected stele and walls; and the Ming Dynasty reconstructed the sacrificial hall and added bridges and memorial arches.
The Confucius Forest is not just a burial site but a repository of cultural and historical artifacts. The gravestones, sculptures, and inscriptions within the cemetery provide valuable insights into the evolution of Chinese burial practices, political history, economic conditions, and cultural traditions. The forest also contains the tomb of Kong Shangren, a renowned playwright from the Qing Dynasty, among other notable figures.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Confucius Forest
- History of Confucius Forest
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Confucius Forest: 10 RMB Combined Ticket for the Three Sites: 140 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0537-4712172 |
Location and Transportation
Confucius Forest, also known as Kong Lin, is located at 18 Gulou North Street, Qufu City, Shandong Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
By Bus: Take bus routes 2, 3, or 5 and get off at the south gate of the Kong Family Mansion (孔府南门站). The entrance to Confucius Forest is nearby.
By Foot: If you are visiting the Kong Family Mansion, you can walk to Confucius Forest. It’s approximately a 3-kilometer walk from the mansion.
By Tricycle or Taxi: You can also hire a tricycle or a taxi to reach Confucius Forest from the Kong Family Mansion. The fare is around 10 RMB.
Highlights of Confucius Forest
Wan Gu Chang Chun Archway
The Wan Gu Chang Chun Archway (万古长春坊), also known as the Eternal Spring Archway, is a stunning example of stone architecture. Reconstructed and reinforced during the Yongzheng period of the Qing Dynasty, this archway spans 22.71 meters in length and 7.96 meters in width. The archway features a six-pillar, five-compartment, five-roof structure with a hip-and-gable roof design.
The roof is adorned with intricately carved tiles and ridge beasts, while the eaves below showcase finely crafted dougong (interlocking wooden brackets). The entire structure is covered with exquisite carvings, including deep relief on the columns and archway and shallow relief on the decorative panels. The central panel displays the inscription “Wan Gu Chang Chun” (Eternal Spring) in bold and dignified script, symbolizing timeless prosperity and longevity. Stone drums with lion reliefs, along with carvings of dragons, deer, and peonies, embellish the base of the columns, adding to the archway’s grandeur and elegance.
Zhi Sheng Lin Archway
The Zhi Sheng Lin Archway (至圣林坊), originally named “Xuan Sheng Lin” Archway, was constructed in 1424 during the 22nd year of the Yongle period in the Ming Dynasty. Despite multiple renovations during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it has retained the architectural characteristics of the early Ming period. This wooden archway features a four-pillar, three-compartment, three-roof structure with a hip-and-gable roof covered in green glazed tiles.
Both the front and rear eaves of the archway are supported by intricately carved dougong, and the vibrant, detailed paintings add to its beauty. In front of the archway stands a pair of stone lions, carved in 1634 during the 7th year of the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty.
Er Lin Gate
The Er Lin Gate (二林门), also known as the Watchtower, is a fortress-like structure situated north of the main entrance to the Confucius Cemetery (Kong Lin). This gate serves as a significant architectural feature, marking the northern gateway of the ancient state of Lu, known historically as the Dragon Gate. The Er Lin Gate was initially constructed in 1331 during the Yuan Dynasty and later enhanced by Kong Hongtai, the 61st-generation descendant of Confucius, in 1494 during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty.
The gate consists of five compartments with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with green tiles. It stands out due to its unique design, lacking the traditional interlocking wooden brackets (dougong). Instead, the structure features a corridor with columns supported by drum-shaped bases. The Er Lin Gate has undergone several renovations, notably during the Qing Dynasty in 1732 and in 1964, ensuring its preservation for future generations. In front of the gate, a pair of stone lions carved in 1634 during the Chongzhen period of the Ming Dynasty guards the entrance, adding to the gate’s grandeur and historical significance.
Zhushui Bridge
The Zhushui Bridge (洙水桥) is located just south of the stone archway and forms a crucial part of the central axis leading to Confucius’s tomb. This arch-shaped bridge, 6.6 meters wide and 25.24 meters long, is believed to have been constructed during or before the Jin Dynasty. In 1494, Kong Hongtai added stone railings to the bridge and built two additional smaller bridges on either side, known as the East Ping Bridge and West Ping Bridge, both featuring stone railings.
The design of the Zhushui Bridge serves both practical and symbolic purposes. Its arch shape obscures the view northward, signifying the depth and hidden nature of Confucius’s tomb. The bridge’s stone railings are intricately carved, reflecting the architectural artistry of the period. The bridge not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the site but also represents the reverence and respect for Confucius, as visitors cross it on their way to pay homage to his final resting place.
Confucius Tomb
The tomb of Confucius is the centerpiece of the Confucius Cemetery, located in the southern part of the cemetery grounds. The tomb mound is 30 meters wide from east to west, 28 meters from north to south, and stands 5 meters high. In front of the tomb are two prominent stone steles. The front stele, inscribed in seal script, reads “Tomb of the Great Sage and First Teacher,” and the rear stele bears the inscription “Tomb of the Revered Sage.”
Additional features in front of the tomb include a stone offering table, a libation pool, a stone-paved worship platform, and a brick lattice wall adorned with flower patterns. These elements create a solemn and respectful environment for visitors. The tomb itself is a model of traditional Chinese burial practices, surrounded by an array of historical and cultural artifacts that provide valuable insights into the era’s rituals and beliefs.
Adjacent to Confucius’s tomb are the graves of his son, Kong Li, and his grandson, Kong Ji (Zi Si), reflecting the family-oriented Confucian philosophy. This layout, known as “carrying the son and embracing the grandson,” symbolizes the importance of familial bonds and continuity in Confucian thought.
History of Confucius Forest
Early Beginnings
In 479 BCE, during the 16th year of Duke Ai of Lu’s reign, Confucius passed away. His disciples buried him north of Qufu, on the banks of the Si River. Initially, the cemetery was modest, with a few graves and only a handful of caretakers. However, as Confucius’s influence and stature grew, so did the cemetery’s size and significance.
Han Dynasty Developments
During the Qin and Han Dynasties, efforts were made to elevate the burial mound, but the cemetery remained relatively small. In 157 CE, during the third year of the Yongshou period in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Governor Han instructed the renovation of Confucius’s tomb. He added a shrine in front of the tomb and constructed a lodge for caretakers to maintain the site. At this time, the cemetery covered only about one hectare.
Expansions and Enhancements
In the Northern and Southern Dynasties, during the Northern Qi period, 600 trees were planted in the cemetery. The Song Dynasty saw further enhancements, including the construction of a stone ceremonial arch in front of Confucius’s tomb during the Xuanhe period.
In 1331, during the Yuan Dynasty, the cemetery’s perimeter wall and main gate were built, providing a more defined and secure boundary for the site.
Ming and Qing Dynasties
The Ming Dynasty marked significant expansion and beautification of Confucius Forest. In 1377, during the 10th year of the Hongwu period, the cemetery was expanded to cover 3,000 mu (approximately 200 hectares). In 1523, Shandong Governor Chen Fengwu constructed the Zhusui Bridge Arch. Later, in 1594, Inspectors Lian Biao and Zheng Rubi built the Wan Gu Chang Chun Arch.
The Qing Dynasty continued this trend of enhancement. In 1684, during the 23rd year of the Kangxi period, the cemetery was expanded to its current size of nearly 200 hectares, with an 8-kilometer-long wall enclosing it. In 1729, the original “Xuan Sheng Lin” archway was renamed “Zhi Sheng Lin” by the Yongzheng Emperor. The following year, major renovations were undertaken, costing 25,300 taels of silver, which included refurbishing various gates and arches and assigning officials to guard the site.
Modern Era
In the 20th century, Confucius Forest underwent significant changes. On March 20, 1950, the Communist Party of China’s Central South Bureau decided to open the cemetery to the public, allowing people to visit and pay their respects. Today, Confucius Forest remains a well-preserved site, offering a unique glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of China.