I really enjoyed my time in Qufu. While this small city is fairly off the tourist map, the Family Mansion of Confucius can get very crowded (like most China WHS). Luckily, my Chinese friend had family in Ti'an, close to Qufu, so we had an early start.

The complex itself is full of classic Chinese motifs. If you have already visited many Chinese style homes or palaces, it might loose some of its draw. However, I found it fascinating, the veneration of this family from the time of Confucius, lasting until the Qing dynasty (77 generations). The courtyards are spacious, lined with trees. The buildings are decorated, in some occassions, in the same style only reserved for the Emperor.

Like others have mentioned, some of the stonework, such as exquisite pillars are worth taking note of. For those who want solitude and space from the tour groups, take a stroll in the cemetary. In these burial grounds you will find countless tombs of the Kong family. Deep into the cemetery you will find the tomb of Confucius himself. There is the incredible fact that this cemetery contains the burial remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants! While the tomb itself is far more recently built than the 5th century BC, it is a great place for reflection and people watching. You might be suprised to see the lighting of incense, kowtows to the great sage, and even flowers being left in front of China's most famous philosopher.