Jining
Jining is a historical city and one of the 16 administrative regions in Shandong. Comprised of 12 counties and townships in the Shandong’s southwest, the region is known for its brilliant cultural heritage and amazing landscapes.The gorgeous Weishan Lake is the largest in Shandong with its vast wetlands, lush mountains, and fertile farm lands totaling to 1,100 sq km. Jining is home to an estimate of 8.35 million people.
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This blessed landscape has nurtured a world renowned philosopher and educator, Confucius.
His saga laid the foundation for Chinese culture and political system which still impact the daily lives of
Chinese people. Jining is a prime destination to observe and explore how the Confucius culture breeds and shapes daily lives of Chinese population.
Qufu City, a nearby major town in Jining, is one of the must-sees in Shandong province, as the hometown of Confucius and his descendants. This was the capital of Lu Kingdom and hometown of Confucius. Confucius is China’s most famous teacher, philosopher and political theorist, and his ideas and teachings have greatly influenced the civilizations of East Asia. Qufu is a testament to the importance of Confucian thought, from imperial China and in our present day. The city has been visited many times by the leaders of East Asian governments, and also by two sitting US presidents – Richard Nixon and George W. Bush.
Qufu is an ideal destination for study tours of Chinese culture. It is only 2.5 hours away from Beijing and a little more than 3 hours away from Shanghai by high speed train. The city today is full of electric bicycles. Another way to get around, for tourists, is to take a relaxed ride in a horse carriage. If Shandong is where you can discover real China today, then Jining is a place for you to uncover what brings the Chinese people together as a nation.
Known as the holy land of Chinese Culture, it is also the hometown of China’s five saints of philosophy – Confucius, Mencius, Zengzi, Yanhui and Zisi. You will see how their extensive doctrines were preached and practiced as you tour and learn of Jining’s rich culture history. The Grand Canal of China that runs through Jining contributed to Jining’s commercial prosperity and brought in diverse lifestyles. From local sagas of Mt. Liang and the Dongping Lake at Jining, the novel, the Outlaws of Water Margin was written. This is not only one of China’s top four nationally acclaimed literature marvels, but also the most popular and the first classic novel ever read by young adults who grew up in China.
Top Attractions

Confucius Mansion, Temple, and Forest
Are three of holy places that is worth your time to gain deep insights into the life of this great philosopher and educator. The Confucius Mansion, Confucius Temple, and the 2,500 year old Confucius family cemetery called the Confucius Forest.

The Weishan Lake wetland
Is home to hundreds of rare species of birds and wildlife.

The Xinglong Cultural Park
blends in astounding magnificence of Asia’s largest Buddhist Temples designed in contemporary architecture. The story behind it warrants a featured documentary by National Geographic.

The Six Arts of Confucius
Chinese people often use the word, “junzi” meaning “gentle person”. The word is from a Confucius classic work, the “Analects”. There are six core qualities that students of Confucius practice: rituals, music, archery, charioting, calligraphy, and mathematics.

Endless Colors
a world-class resort with shocking sceneries and an all-access pass to activities you would not believe even existed in China. Don’t’ forget to hop a stay.
Plan Your Trip
Fill out this form and receive personalized suggestions on how to best plan your trip or find out some of our recommended routes for beginners!
Suggested trip ideas:
1-day trip
Morning: “opening ceremony” of Wangren Palace (万仞宫墙“开城门仪式 ”)
Confucius Temple(孔庙)
Confucius Mansion (孔府)
Afternoon: Qufu Ancient City (曲阜古城)
Confucius Culture Theme Park (孔子文化园)
Sliver Jining 2-day trip
Day 1:
Morning: “opening ceremony” of Wangren Palace (万仞宫墙“开城门仪式 ”)
Confucius Temple (孔庙)
Confucius Mansion (孔府)
Afternoon: Qufu Ancient City (曲阜古城)
Confucius Culture Theme Park (孔子文化园)
Day 2:
Morning: Weishan lake Wetland Park ( 微山湖湿地公园)
Eat Fish soup nearby Weishan Lake ( 微山湖附近农家乐品鱼汤)
Afternoon: Mount Yi (驿山)
Golden Jining 3-day trip
Day 1:
Morning: “opening ceremony” of Wangren Palace (万仞宫墙“开城门仪式 ”)
Confucius Temple(孔庙)
Confucius Mansion (孔府)
Afternoon: Qufu Ancient City (曲阜古城)
Confucius Culture Theme Park (孔子文化园)
Day 2: Whole day – Endless Color Resort
(Biking, Hiking, Fishing, Spa)
Day 3:
Morning: Weishan lake Wetland Park ( 微山湖湿地公园)
Eat Fish soup nearby Weishan Lake ( 微山湖附近农家乐品鱼汤)
Afternoon: Mount Yi (驿山)
Endless Color Resort
Fill out this form and receive personalized suggestions on how to best plan your trip!
山东省文化和旅游厅 Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism
美国友康科技有限公司 U-Combination Technology (USA) Inc.
Authorized agency for Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism in the U.S.
(山东省文化和旅游厅在美授权机构)
150 E Swedesford Rd, Suite 101,
Wayne, PA 19087
For help planning your visit, please contact us now:
E-Mail:
tours@travelshandong.