Jining

Jining is a prefecture-level city in eastern Shandong Province, China. It administers a mix of urban districts and surrounding counties and serves as a regional center for economy, culture, and transportation. The city lies in eastern Shandong and includes the historic area around the birthplace of Confucius.

Historically, the region traces back to ancient Lu, and the city is best known for Qufu, the hometown of Confucius. The area preserves a long tradition of Chinese philosophy, education, and culture, with sites associated with Confucius and his descendants continuing to attract scholars and visitors.

Qufu hosts the Three Confucian Sites—the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion. These sites collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stand as major cultural landmarks within Jining, reflecting the enduring influence of Confucian heritage in the region.

Economically, Jining maintains a diversified profile that combines agriculture with manufacturing and services. The city functions as a transportation hub in eastern Shandong, connecting northern and southern parts of the province and facilitating regional trade and logistics.

In addition to its cultural significance, Jining supports a range of educational and cultural institutions and preserves numerous historic neighborhoods and temples. Tourism tied to Confucian heritage, rural heritage, and local crafts contributes to the regional economy and cultural landscape.