Confucius and the development of Qufu as a major centre for cultural tourism
A vast building, also rose up the hillside. Designed in a contemporary Confucian-style, the Nishan Akademia was one of the more incredible structures I have visited recently in China. The size at first overwhelming, it combined several large, spacious halls used for educational exhibits and visits. Along one enormous assembly room, a series of tall white Confucian disciple statues lined the walls. This led to a massive enclosed stairway almost like from a temple featuring in some historic movie spectacular. I moved slowly, stopping regularly to take in the elements of design from many intricate oil lamp replicas to large ceremonial vases and so much more. There was an amazing silence, almost solemnity. At the top was the entrance into another grand, inspiring space with many low desks where students could squat while being taught more of the teachings. While I was there the lights dimmed for a sound and light extravaganza which literally held visitors spellbound. Later I stood outside for a while, looking up toward the extra-large statue of Confucius while trying to take in the sheer scale of this project. It is certainly another driver in Qufu’s rise as a prominent destination both for domestic and increasingly international tourists.
Qufu to me represented a combination of history and culture along with classic Chinese architectural style, water and trees in autumnal colors. This was all within perfect weather for photography.
