Qufu is a city in China’s Shandong province, once the capital of Lu State (1042–249 B.C.). It’s known for being the hometown of Confucius, born nearby in 551 B.C., and for sites associated with the Chinese philosopher. The Kong Miao (Confucius Temple) was established in 478 B.C., with the current sprawling complex mostly dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties.