2-Day Private Trip to Qufu and Mountain Tai by Bullet Train from Beijing

Day 1 (Beijing – Qufu)

You are picked up from your hotel or residence in downtown Beijing and transferred to railway station for high speed train to Qufu by G165 (0820-1041) on 2nd class seat.

Upon arrival, your Qufu guide will meet you and take you directly for the Temple of Confucius, the largest historical building complex in China. As you explore the 34-acre (14-hectare) site with your guide, admire the structures, whose architecture resembles that of Beijing's Forbidden City. Learn about their symbolic significance, built according to Confucian philosophy and design, including the complementary hues of red walls and yellow rooftops. 

Walk through several courtyards adorned with small gates and surrounded by tall green pines, just some of the more than 1,250 ancient trees planted here. Your guide will point out the impressive steal, Han stone reliefs, carved pictures and stone dragon carvings.

Next, visit the Kong Family Mansion, located a short distance from the temple. Kong is the family surname of Confucius, and this landmark is where many of his male descendants lived and worked.

Enjoy lunch before a drive to Confucius Cemetery, located about 1 mile (2 km) north of Qufu in the Confucian Forest. The family cemetery contains the tomb of Confucius and the remains of more than 100,000 of his descendants.

After your tour, you’ll have free time to explore some of the 452 acres (183 hectares) on your own.

Overnight: Qufu Queli Hotel

Day 2 (Qufu – Tai’an –Beijing)

Today you’ll enjoy a full-day excursion to Mt Tai, a mountain of cultural and historical significance.

After transferring from Qufu to Tai’an, an approximate 1-hour drive, arrive at the foot of Mt Tai, located just north of the city. From here, board a tourist bus with your guide to the halfway point on the mountain, and complete the journey to the summit by cable car. View Mt Tai’s tallest peak, Jade Emperor Peak, which reaches 5,029 feet (1,533 meters) above sea level. Your guide will take you to view the gates, grandiose temples, stone tablets and inscriptions located between the Taishan Temple and the Azure Clouds Temple. Visit the South Heaven Gate, situated at the top of some 7,000 stone steps that wind up the slopes, each offering a different view. Admire Heavenly Street (Tianjie Street), White Cloud Cave, Gongbei/Tanhai Stone and Sun Viewing Peak.

Enjoy lunch on the mountain 

After your tour, your guide will transfer you to Tai'an Station to take bullet train back to Beijing by G60 (19:31-21:29) on 2nd class seat. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred back to your hotel.