Qufu: Confucius' birthplace and historic home

Earlier this year, in Tianjin, my interest in both Confucius and Qufu was rekindled. I had been invited to photograph Confucian rituals, ceremonies and related cuisine preparation at the city’s Shangri-La Hotel. Performers and leading chefs had come north from Qufu for a weeklong event. While filming, I kept thinking how beautiful the red and golden costumes were, how precise the practitioners’ movements and how different the cuisine appeared to what I have long associated with China. I knew then that I had to reach Qufu, to realize first-hand learning experiences such a city could possibly offer. It proved a good decision. November proved an excellent time to visit. The weather was mostly perfect for walking and photography, the trees turned golden, creating colorful contrasting vistas, while the main attractions were not crowded.