Qufu: Confucius' birthplace and historic home

Crossing the moat, passing through the arch I entered a large enclosed courtyard, surrounded by high walls. This was a strongly defensive double gate structure typical of Ming city design. Beyond that second arch lay the Confucius Temple south entrance which I would later visit. Instead I walked slowly now inside the city walls, passing souvenir kiosks, before reaching Queli Street. Although touristy, catering for the annual flow of visitors mostly heading toward the mansion, it had retained some of the fascination of my earlier China travels. Older buildings, gateways, sizzling food stalls were there within a traffic-free environment. I was falling in love with Qufu, its history, its architectural style and particularly the friendliness of the people. I felt indeed very welcome in this community where many residents can actually trace their pedigree back to Confucius.