About
The Cemetery of Confucius, known locally as Kong Lin or the Confucius Forest, is the sacred burial ground of Confucius and his descendants. It lies in Qufu, in Jining, Shandong Province, in eastern China, the town where Confucius was born and lived.
The site covers 200 hectares and holds more than 100,000 graves, spanning some 2,400 years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its woodland setting gives it a quiet, reflective character that differs from the busier temple complexes nearby.
What a visit offers
- A walk through a large, old forest of graves, shaded by mature trees.
- A chance to see how a single family's burial ground has been kept across many centuries.
- The sense of visiting a place closely tied to the life and legacy of Confucius.
Because the grounds are extensive, allow a generous amount of time and wear comfortable shoes. Visitors who want to understand the wider context often combine the cemetery with a trip to other sites in Qufu, which is itself the setting for the Temple of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion.
Planning your trip
Qufu is reached by road and rail from larger Chinese cities, and the cemetery is a short distance from the town centre. For opening times, tickets and current arrangements, contact the site directly at +86-537-4712177 before you set out, as these details can change.