Unlike all the other places we’ve been to, Qufu is not very touristy. The main attraction is the Kong Family Mansion. In Chinese, Kong is Confucius’ surname, a prominent Chinese philosopher and teacher. Qufu was his birthplace. His family mansion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was consecrated as a temple two years after his death.
There isn’t much to do in Qufu except to walk around this massive complex. It is the second largest historical building complex in China after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Like everywhere else in China, there were plenty of people trying to make a buck or two selling useless items. We were offered bottled water, maps, bicycle rentals, tour guides and souvenirs – from the same lady!
When we went to pay our respect to Confucius at his tomb. We were very quiet, very respectable. No pictures. No loud voices. However, other people weren’t so considerate. A Chinese tour guide blasted her megaphone toward a group of tourist while another tried to sell them flowers to place on the tomb. Personally, I think it’s a little despicable to exploit a dead man’s resting place.
Before we left Qufu, we made a pit stop at a “restroom” at the bus station. They were squatting toilets that looked like someone just hacked holes on to the tile floor with a stone ax. What I wasn’t prepared for were stalls with no doors. As soon as I walked in, I got an eye full of ladies in positions I shouldn’t be seeing them in – sqautting positions. Awkward. But I really had to go so I sucked it up and took care of my business in the corner, facing the poop stained wall. It was the worst restroom experience ever. Who can top that?
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