Confucius and the development of Qufu as a major centre for cultural tourism
Confucius was born in 551 BC 30 kilometer southeast of Qufu, apparently in a cave on the slopes of 340 meter Nishan Mountain. An ancient temple dedicated to Kong He (alias Shuliang He), the father of Confucius, nestles alongside that subterranean passage. It lies close to a vast project, Nishan Sacredland which opened on September 28, 2018, the date of Confucius birthday. Spread over 25.76 square kilometer it is the latest and greatest project nationally to embrace Confucianism and traditional culture.
This upland area rising above the waters of Nishan Reservoir was devised partly for tourism while facilitating a greater learning of and understanding the life, works and philosophy of Confucius along with its place in modern society.
One afternoon I headed out there along an excellent quiet highway. Soon after leaving the urban area the road cut through extensive areas of forest bathed in autumnal colors. Villages nestled alongside intensively cultivated farmland. Ahead rose a low range of hills, Nishan, my destination. Shuttle buses transfer visitors uphill to the main park entrance. There, large golf carts continue the journey, stopping first at a viewpoint of the lake and its mountainous backdrop. It was late afternoon, the setting sun bathed the scene in pastel shades of light.
