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Study Guide: Qufu: Historical Significance and Confucian Heritage

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Qufu: Historical Significance and Confucian Heritage Study Guide

Confucian Legacy and Sites

Qufu holds paramount historical significance as the birthplace of Confucius, the preeminent Chinese philosopher and educator.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qufu is universally recognized as the birthplace of Confucius, a pivotal figure in Chinese philosophy and education, making it a site of profound historical and cultural importance.

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Confucius's former residence in Qufu was consecrated as a temple by the Duke of Lu within two years of the philosopher's demise.

Answer: True

Explanation: Confucius's former home in Qufu was converted into a temple by the Duke of Lu shortly after Confucius's death, marking the origin of the Temple of Confucius.

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The Temple of Confucius complex ranks as the second-largest historical architectural ensemble in China, surpassed in scale only by the Forbidden City.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Temple of Confucius is the second-largest historical building complex in China, exceeded in size only by the Forbidden City in Beijing.

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The Dacheng Hall, or 'Great Perfection Hall,' is supported by 28 intricately carved pillars, ten of which are adorned with coiled dragons.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dacheng Hall, the main structure in the Temple of Confucius, is notable for its 28 pillars, with ten front pillars featuring elaborate dragon carvings.

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The 'Apricot Platform' (Xing Tan) symbolizes Confucius's role as an educator, commemorating the site where he is traditionally believed to have taught his disciples.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Apricot Platform (Xing Tan) within the Temple of Confucius commemorates the traditional site of Confucius's teaching activities, highlighting his pedagogical significance.

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The Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin) contains graves dating back to the Zhou dynasty, with numerous subsequent interments from various dynasties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cemetery of Confucius, Kong Lin, includes tombs that date back to the Zhou Dynasty, alongside many others from subsequent historical periods.

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The direct lineal descendants of Confucius inhabited the Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu), situated to the east of the Temple of Confucius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kong Family Mansion served as the residence for Confucius's direct descendants, who were responsible for managing temple affairs and conducting ceremonies.

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The Kong Family Mansion's most elevated structure is a four-story refuge tower, designated 'Bin'an Lou,' conceived as a defensive bastion but never deployed for its intended purpose.

Answer: True

Explanation: The tallest structure within the Kong Family Mansion is the 'Bin'an Lou,' a four-story tower designed for refuge but never utilized.

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The last direct Kong family descendants resided within the Kong Family Mansion until 1937, subsequently migrating during wartime.

Answer: True

Explanation: The final generation of Confucius's direct descendants inhabited the Kong Family Mansion until 1937, relocating during the Sino-Japanese War and later the Chinese Civil War.

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The original sepulchre erected in commemoration of Confucius within the Cemetery of Confucius, situated along the Sishui River, was architecturally fashioned in the form of an axe.

Answer: True

Explanation: The initial tomb constructed for Confucius at the Cemetery of Confucius was designed in the shape of an axe.

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The employment of yellow roof-tiles on the edifices within the Temple of Confucius complex signifies the elevated status and profound reverence afforded to Confucius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The use of yellow roof-tiles in the Temple of Confucius, a color historically reserved for imperial structures, denotes the exceptionally high status accorded to Confucius.

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The Kong Family Mansion, in its present state, encompasses 152 buildings housing 480 rooms, extending over a total area of 12,470 square meters.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kong Family Mansion is a substantial complex, comprising 152 buildings with 480 rooms, covering an area of 12,470 square meters.

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The Lingxing Gate, serving as the southernmost entrance to the Temple of Confucius, derives its name from a celestial body within the Great Bear constellation.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Lingxing Gate at the Temple of Confucius is named after a star in the Great Bear constellation, symbolizing Confucius's celestial importance.

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The 'Apricot Platform' (Xing Tan) symbolizes Confucius's role as an educator, commemorating the site where he is traditionally believed to have taught his disciples.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Apricot Platform (Xing Tan) represents Confucius's function as an educator, marking the traditional location of his teaching activities.

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The 'Great Perfection Hall' (Dacheng Hall) served principally as the site for ancestral veneration and sacrifices to Confucius, rather than for administrative functions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Dacheng Hall's primary function was ceremonial, serving as the main location for sacrifices honoring Confucius, not for administrative duties.

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The 'Spirit way' referenced in the gallery pertains to the ceremonial paths within the Cemetery of Confucius, leading to the tombs of Confucius's descendants.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Spirit way' mentioned in visual documentation refers to the ceremonial paths found in the Cemetery of Confucius, guiding towards the burial sites of descendants.

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The 'Bixi' is a mythical creature, often depicted as a tortoise or dragon-turtle, mentioned in the gallery in relation to stelae bases within the Cemetery of Confucius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Bixi,' a mythical creature, is referenced in relation to its use as a base for stelae in the Cemetery of Confucius.

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What is the 'Dacheng Hall' within the Temple of Confucius?

Answer: The main structure for offering sacrifices to Confucius.

Explanation: The Dacheng Hall, or 'Great Perfection Hall,' is the principal structure within the Temple of Confucius, primarily used for ceremonial sacrifices.

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The 'Apricot Platform' (Xing Tan) commemorates what aspect of Confucius's life?

Answer: His place of teaching

Explanation: The Apricot Platform (Xing Tan) specifically commemorates the location traditionally associated with Confucius's pedagogical activities.

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How large is the Kong Family Mansion today in terms of rooms and buildings?

Answer: 152 buildings with 480 rooms

Explanation: The Kong Family Mansion currently consists of 152 buildings containing 480 rooms.

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What was the original shape of Confucius' tomb at the Cemetery of Confucius?

Answer: Shaped like an axe

Explanation: The original tomb constructed for Confucius was designed in the distinctive shape of an axe.

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Why were yellow roof-tiles used in the Temple of Confucius?

Answer: They signified the high status and reverence accorded to Confucius.

Explanation: Yellow roof-tiles were historically reserved for imperial use, and their application in the Temple of Confucius signifies the profound reverence and elevated status of Confucius.

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What happened to the Kong family descendants after 1937?

Answer: They fled to Chongqing and later moved to Taiwan.

Explanation: Following 1937, the Kong family descendants relocated from Qufu, first to Chongqing and subsequently to Taiwan.

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What is the significance of the 'Lingxing Gate' at the Temple of Confucius?

Answer: It is named after a star, symbolizing Confucius's celestial importance.

Explanation: The Lingxing Gate is named after a star, signifying Confucius's elevated status and cosmic importance.

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Qufu's Historical Context

During the Shang dynasty, the region surrounding Qufu was inhabited by the Yan people, who were classified by the Chinese as part of the 'Eastern Barbarians' (Dongyi).

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical records indicate that during the Shang Dynasty, the Yan people, considered part of the 'Eastern Barbarians' (Dongyi), inhabited the area around Qufu.

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Qufu functioned as the capital of the state of Lu throughout the Spring and Autumn period.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following its incorporation into the state of Lu, Qufu served as the state's capital for the duration of the Spring and Autumn period.

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During the Tang and early Song dynasties, the locale was designated Xianyuan County and relocated approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) eastward from its then-current walled city.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1012 CE, during the early Song Dynasty, Qufu was renamed Xianyuan County and relocated eastward, positioning it near the purported birthplace of the Yellow Emperor.

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The extant city wall of Qufu was constructed during the Ming dynasty, specifically during the reign of the Jiajing Emperor.

Answer: True

Explanation: The current city wall surrounding Qufu was erected during the Ming Dynasty, commencing in 1522 under the Jiajing Emperor's administration.

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During the Southern Song and Jin dynasties, the lineage holding the title of Duke Yansheng bifurcated, with branches established both in Qufu and in the south.

Answer: True

Explanation: The title of Duke Yansheng became divided during the Southern Song and Jin dynasties, resulting in parallel successions: one in Qufu (northern branch) and another in the south (southern branch).

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The Yuan dynasty's actions led to the consolidation of the Duke Yansheng title under the northern branch residing in Qufu, after the southern branch declined the invitation to return.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Yuan Dynasty's policy resulted in the unification of the Duke Yansheng title under the Qufu-based northern branch, following the refusal of the southern branch to return.

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The Cultural Revolution precipitated severe damage to Qufu's historical patrimony.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Cultural Revolution, Qufu's historical sites, including tombs and artifacts, sustained significant destruction and desecration.

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During the Cultural Revolution, the tombs in the Cemetery of Confucius were desecrated and damaged.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contrary to preservation, the tombs within the Cemetery of Confucius were targeted and suffered desecration and damage during the Cultural Revolution.

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The division of the Duke Yansheng lineage into northern and southern branches originated during the Southern Song and Jin dynasties.

Answer: True

Explanation: The split of the Duke Yansheng lineage into northern and southern branches occurred during the Southern Song and Jin dynasties, not the Yuan dynasty.

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In addition to the desecration of tombs, the Cultural Revolution precipitated the obliteration of cultural heritage within the Kong Family Cemetery.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cultural Revolution's impact on the Kong Family Cemetery extended beyond tomb desecration to include the destruction of 100,000 volumes of classical texts and numerous artifacts.

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The Duke of Zhou exerted considerable influence upon the early history of the Qufu region.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Duke of Zhou played a crucial role in establishing the state of Lu, which included the territory of Qufu, by suppressing local rebellions.

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During which historical period did Qufu serve as the capital of the state of Lu?

Answer: Spring and Autumn period

Explanation: Qufu functioned as the capital of the state of Lu throughout the entirety of the Spring and Autumn period.

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What significant event led to the division of the Duke Yansheng lineage into northern and southern branches?

Answer: The flight of a descendant south during the Southern Song dynasty while another remained in Qufu.

Explanation: The division originated during the Southern Song Dynasty when one descendant fled south while his brother remained in Qufu, leading to separate ducal lines.

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Which dynasty renamed Xianyuan County back to Qufu in 1142?

Answer: Jin Dynasty

Explanation: The Jin Dynasty reinstated the name Qufu in 1142, after the region had been designated Xianyuan County during the Tang and early Song periods.

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What major damage occurred to Qufu's historical sites during the Cultural Revolution?

Answer: Thousands of artifacts were destroyed, and tombs were desecrated.

Explanation: The Cultural Revolution resulted in extensive destruction, including the desecration of tombs and the annihilation of thousands of artifacts within Qufu's historical sites.

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Geography, Administration, and Infrastructure

Qufu is situated in the southwestern region of Shandong Province.

Answer: True

Explanation: Geographically, Qufu is located in the southwestern quadrant of Shandong Province, East China.

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Qufu is administratively structured as a county-level city, comprising designated subdistricts and towns.

Answer: True

Explanation: Administratively, Qufu is classified as a county-level city, organized into subdistricts and towns.

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The Drum Tower (Gulou) is situated at the precise center of Qufu's historical walled city.

Answer: True

Explanation: Within the historical walled city of Qufu, the Drum Tower (Gulou) occupies a central position.

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Qufu's modern downtown area is situated south of the historical walled city.

Answer: True

Explanation: The contemporary urban center of Qufu is located to the south of its historical walled precinct.

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Qufu experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by moderate annual precipitation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qufu's climate is classified as humid continental, featuring a moderate level of annual precipitation.

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Both the original Beijing-Shanghai railway and the contemporary Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway provide service to Qufu.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qufu is served by both the historical Beijing-Shanghai railway line and the more recent Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway.

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Key arterial routes for road transportation through Qufu include China National Highway 104 and China National Highway 327.

Answer: True

Explanation: China National Highway 104 and China National Highway 327 are significant routes facilitating road transport through Qufu.

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Initiated in 2017, the construction of a monorail project designed to link Qufu and Zoucheng has encountered significant delays and halts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The monorail project intended to connect Qufu and Zoucheng, commenced in 2017, has faced substantial delays and remains incomplete.

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Qufu's economy is diversified, with agriculture, particularly grain production, being a significant sector alongside tourism and other industries.

Answer: True

Explanation: While tourism is important, Qufu's economy is robustly supported by agriculture, notably grain production, alongside various manufacturing and industrial sectors.

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The principal mineral resources identified within the Qufu region comprise coal, phosphorus, and limestone, which provide essential inputs for various local industrial activities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Qufu region possesses significant mineral deposits, including coal, phosphorus, and limestone, which are utilized by local industries.

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The Yanshi Railway, an element of the larger Xinshi Railway network, establishes a vital link between Yanzhou and Rizhao.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Yanshi Railway connects Yanzhou and Rizhao and passes through Qufu, contributing to regional rail connectivity.

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In which province is Qufu located?

Answer: Shandong province

Explanation: Qufu is situated within the administrative boundaries of Shandong Province in East China.

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How is Qufu administratively classified?

Answer: A county-level city

Explanation: Qufu is administratively designated as a county-level city within the Chinese governmental structure.

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Where is the Drum Tower (Gulou) located within Qufu's historical walled city?

Answer: At the very center

Explanation: The Drum Tower (Gulou) is centrally positioned within the historical walled city of Qufu.

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What type of climate does Qufu experience?

Answer: Humid continental climate

Explanation: Qufu is characterized by a humid continental climate, with moderate temperatures and precipitation.

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Which high-speed railway line, opened in 2011, serves Qufu?

Answer: Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway

Explanation: The Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway, operational since 2011, provides service to Qufu, featuring a dedicated station.

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Which of the following is a primary agricultural product mentioned for Qufu?

Answer: Grain

Explanation: Grain production is highlighted as a significant component of Qufu's agricultural sector.

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What mineral deposits are mentioned as being found in the Qufu region?

Answer: Coal, phosphorus, and limestone

Explanation: The Qufu region is known for its deposits of coal, phosphorus, and limestone, which are significant for local industry.

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Which railway connects Yanzhou and Rizhao and passes through Qufu?

Answer: Yanshi Railway

Explanation: The Yanshi Railway connects Yanzhou and Rizhao and serves Qufu, providing regional rail transport.

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Cultural Identity and Recognition

The principal Confucian sites in Qufu, collectively designated as 'San Kong,' achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994.

Answer: True

Explanation: The three primary Confucian loci in Qufu, known collectively as 'San Kong,' were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, acknowledging their outstanding universal value.

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The appellation 'Qufu' literally translates to 'crooked hill,' referencing a geographical feature associated with the city's historical context.

Answer: True

Explanation: The name 'Qufu' derives from Chinese characters (曲阜) that literally translate to 'crooked hill,' denoting a specific geographical characteristic relevant to its historical significance.

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Prior to the widespread implementation of the Pinyin romanization system, the transliteration of Qufu into English exhibited considerable variation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Before the standardization of Pinyin, English transcriptions of Qufu's name included numerous variants, such as Kufow and Chufou.

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Qufu Normal University, established in 1955, provides doctoral degree programs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qufu Normal University, founded in 1955, offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including doctoral degrees.

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Qufu is primarily recognized as a traditional center of Confucianism, not Taoism, despite historical associations with ancient sages.

Answer: True

Explanation: While Qufu has connections to ancient sages, its primary religious and philosophical identity is rooted in Confucianism, not Taoism.

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The gallery section of the source material predominantly offers visual documentation of Qufu's significant historical and cultural locales.

Answer: True

Explanation: The gallery section primarily serves to visually represent Qufu's key historical and cultural sites, rather than offering extensive textual descriptions.

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The 'See also' section enumerates related entities, including Mount Ni, reputedly Confucius's birthplace; Zoucheng, the native locale of Mencius; and the surname Qu (曲), with a note indicating its prevalence among individuals originating from Shandong Province.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section of the source material lists related geographical locations and cultural figures, such as Mount Ni, Zoucheng (hometown of Mencius), and the surname Qu.

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The designation 'San Kong' is employed to denote the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'San Kong' refers specifically to the three principal Confucian sites: the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion.

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The annual observance on September 28th, conducted in Qufu and various Confucian temples, commemorates the natal anniversary of Confucius.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ceremony held annually on September 28th in Qufu honors Confucius's birthday, serving as a significant traditional observance.

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The establishment of Qufu Normal University in 1955 underscores the city's enduring role as an academic center, particularly concerning traditional Chinese scholarship.

Answer: True

Explanation: The founding of Qufu Normal University in 1955 reinforces Qufu's status as a center for learning, especially in traditional Chinese studies.

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The 'Holy Church of Confucius' is a contemporary religious site dedicated to Confucianism, not unrelated to its philosophy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Holy Church of Confucius (Kong Shengtang) is a modern religious institution actively engaged with Confucian philosophy and practice.

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The Chinese characters denoting Qufu, 曲阜, possess a literal translation of 'crooked hill.'

Answer: True

Explanation: The characters 曲阜, representing Qufu, literally translate to 'crooked hill,' reflecting a geographical attribute.

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The UNESCO World Heritage inscription acknowledges the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu as sites possessing outstanding universal value.

Answer: True

Explanation: The UNESCO designation highlights the global cultural significance and universal value of Qufu's three main Confucian sites.

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The 'Authority control databases' section furnishes hyperlinks to standardized identifiers for Qufu, facilitating its unique identification across diverse international and national library and archival repositories.

Answer: True

Explanation: Authority control databases provide standardized identifiers (e.g., VIAF, GND) crucial for uniquely identifying and cataloging information about Qufu across various bibliographic systems.

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What is Qufu most famously known for in Chinese history and culture?

Answer: Being the hometown of the influential philosopher Confucius.

Explanation: Qufu's preeminent historical and cultural significance stems from its status as the birthplace of Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher and educator.

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Which three sites in Qufu are collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Answer: The Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion.

Explanation: The UNESCO World Heritage designation encompasses the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion, collectively known as 'San Kong'.

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What is the literal translation of the name 'Qufu'?

Answer: Crooked Hill

Explanation: The name 'Qufu' literally translates from Chinese as 'crooked hill,' referencing a geographical feature pertinent to its historical context.

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Which of the following was NOT listed as an English transcription of Qufu's name before Pinyin?

Answer: Qufu

Explanation: Before the adoption of Pinyin, 'Qufu' itself was not a common English transcription; variants like Kufow and Chufou were used.

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What is the primary religious significance of Qufu?

Answer: Traditional center of Confucianism

Explanation: Qufu is fundamentally recognized as the traditional heartland and center of Confucianism.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the 'San Kong' sites?

Answer: Temple of Yan Hui

Explanation: The 'San Kong' designation specifically includes the Temple of Confucius, the Cemetery of Confucius, and the Kong Family Mansion, excluding the Temple of Yan Hui.

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