Qufu

On Thursday 10th October, we tested China's high speed rail network  to travel from Beijing to Qufu.  We appreciated the shepherding of our Tour Manager, and once through the right gates, it was fast and comfortable.  There are a lot of folks in China.  If you think Town Hall is busy, try Beijing South.

Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius, so no prizes for guessing what today was all about.  Our lecturer is excellent and gives us the broad picture - including the life of Confucius and the varying views of him, depending on the politics of the time.  We also got a good overview of the past 70 years and the treatment of religions.  BTW, celebratory signage is everywhere, testament to the amazing progress made since 1949. If you deduct the GLF and the CR, the progress is even more rapid.

Our tour lecturer and local guide for Qufu.

This is the Confucius Temple - after passing through MANY pavilions.  Nothing in this temple pre-dates the 1980s.  This drew gasps from the Brits in the group, but our lecturer explained that China does not seek old and historic things and buildings.  Rebuilding is common, especially when painted wood is used.

What persists in China is the site itself, the appropriate rituals and the written word which is literally set in stone known as steles. (Thanks to Wikipedia for this one).


In the afternoon we went to the Confucius tomb and family cemetery.  Are his bones REALLY there? It reminded me of the pilgrimage to Santiago - is St James really in that box, and does it really matter?  I began to appreciate "sacralisation" - making something sacred.  It's all in the mind!

The huge cemetery is pleasant and peaceful.  Descendants of the great man are buried here, and if you can prove your links, there is a place for you too.  It was quite a contrast to the noise and bustle of most Chinese sites. And a lovely place for walking, although we didn't see anyone taking advantage of this.

Today's Chinglish.