Confucianism pervaded more 2,000 years of feudal China. Since Emperor Wu of Han prioritized Confucianism before all others, the school represented by Confucius, Mencius and Xunzi had gradually become the mainstream thought permeating traditional Chinese culture.
Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, claimed a state shall be governed through ritual and virtue. He initiated private education, thus being reputed as the forerunner of plebeian education. History records “The Confucian master has 3,000 disciples, including 72 sages”. The Analects of Confucius has venerated as one of classics of Chinese thought and culture.
The statue of Confucius standing on the slope is 17 meters’ tall. The master, leaning forward with both hands clasped together, appears an amiable old man indeed. This image embodies Confucianism’s five virtues: moderation, kindness, respectfulness, frugalness and modesty. The stone inscription on the hill surface tells us what Confucius had undergone through his lifetime. Below this master are located statues of two junior sages—Mencius and Xunzi.
