Qufu -- The Homeland of Confucius, Mencius, and Sangzu

Author: Zhang Zhigang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Qufu is the hometown of Confucius, the great ancient Chinese thinker, statesman, and educator. Confucius has had an unparalleled influence on the Chinese people, and his thoughts have been deeply ingrained in their souls for thousands of years, profoundly impacting Chinese culture. Because of Confucius, this national-level historical and cultural city—Qufu—has also become a well-known pilgrimage site. This place was once the old capital of Emperor Yan, the birthplace of Emperor Huangdi, the ruins of Shaohao, the former state of Shang Yan, and the ancient capital of Zhou and Lu. It is also the hometown of the great figure of that era, Confucius. The family of Qufu has a long history. As early as 5,500 to 6,000 years ago, our ancestors lived and thrived here, creating early human civilization. According to ancient historical records, Emperor Yan and Shaohao moved their capitals to Qufu, and Emperor Huangdi was born in Shouqiu (8 li east of Qufu). Shun created various utensils in Shouqiu. It is evident that among the three sages and five emperors of ancient China, four left their traces in Qufu. The more than 20 large Longshan Culture and Dawenkou Culture sites discovered in the area confirm that our ancestors were active here very early on.