The site where Confucius ascended is located to the north of the First Heavenly Gate, featuring a four-pillar, three-gate stone archway that spans the road, shaded by ancient wisteria vines, exuding an elegant and dignified aura. It was originally constructed in the 39th year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1560).
On either side of the archway, two steles stand, with the eastern one inscribed with ‘Climb high from a low starting point’ by Zhai Tao, a vice-prefect of Jinan during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, and the western one inscribed with ‘The First Mountain’ by Li Fuchu, the inspector of Shandong. To the north lies a two-pillar, single-gate ‘Heavenly Staircase’ archway.
It is said that Confucius, after ascending the Eastern Mountain, felt that Lu was small, and upon ascending Mount Tai, felt that the whole world was small. This is the very spot of his ascension, a place that has been a must-visit for Confucian scholars and literati throughout history. The site is open all year round, with full-day access, although specific business conditions are subject to the day’s opening status.
Confucius’ Ascension Site
The site where Confucius ascended is located to the north of the First Heavenly Gate, featuring a fo[...]
