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 swings, though restoration is always ongoing. With few visitors around, you can sit in the shade of ancient gnarled cypresses, absorbing the serene surroundings. The twin-roofed Hall of the Second Sage (亚圣殿; Yàshèng Diàn) looms in the centre of the grounds, a small shrine next to it dedicated to Mencius’ mother, the ‘model for all mothers’.
Mencius Temple
Shandong
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
14.13 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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14.39 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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15.68 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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0.09 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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14.56 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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15.89 MILES
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…
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14.3 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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0.34 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
0.09 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…
0.34 MILES
This museum on Shunhe Lu displays a collection of items relating to Zoucheng through history. Note the very long lunch break.
14.13 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,…
14.21 MILES
The small and charming brick bell tower stands astride the road at the centre of town, to the east of the Confucius Temple.
14.3 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…
14.39 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…
14.56 MILES
This tranquil temple northeast of Confucius Mansion is dedicated to Confucius’ beloved disciple Yan Hui, whose death at age 32 caused the understated…
15.68 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…