The Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu)

East of the Temple of Confucius, is the Kong Family Mansion. Kong is the family surname of Confucius and his descendants. The mansion is where the first son and the first grandson of Confucius lived. In scope, it is next only to the royal palaces of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Dynasties came and went but the First Family under Heaven has lasted the longest.

Covering 39 acres, the mansion grounds house 463 buildings such as halls, pavilions, and towers that are divided into three parts. The Eastern part is the family temple, the Western institute and the Central main buildings. The Central part is then divided into two sections with the front being the office and the family residence behind. The garden is located at the back of the residence.

Though less splendid than the Forbidden City, the Mansion boasts luxury furnishings, exquisite decorations, and precious cultural relics. These relics, some given by emperors, some presented by high ranking officials and celebrities, and some purchased at a high price, are the most valuable resource for research on ancient Chinese history and culture.

The Kong Family Mansion is the largest of its kind in Chinese history. In 1994, the Mansion, the Cemetery of Confucius and the Temple of Confucius were listed as World Cultural Heritage buildings.