Confucius Festival - Qufu

Each year festivals are held throughout China to celebrate the birthday of Confucius, the most famous one being held in his birthplace, Qufu, Shandong Province.

Born in 551 BC, Confucius is renowned as one of the great thinkers and philosophers in history. His teachings are highly revered throughout Asia, especially in his native China, and have had a great influence on Chinese life for thousands of years. During the festival, there are many cultural events which take place including dances, musical performances and theatre pieces celebrating his life and teachings. Sacrificial rites are staged daily in front of the Confucius temple and there are exhibitions of calligraphy, traditional crafts and authentic Shandong cuisine on offer.