Refuge Tower

Confucius Family Mansion, Qufu

The tower in the background was built as a refuge where the family could retreat in case of attack. During Ming times, because of prior history, the possiblilty of barbarian invasion or internal rebellion was always on people's minds; it accounts for the consolidation and expansion of the Great Wall, the fortification of even mid-level towns like Pingyao, and the generally defensive mind-set of the era.

The current plan of the Kong Mansion dates to about 1500 AD, with rebuilding after a fire in the 19th century. The grounds are so extensive that it seems more like a town, with streets and sidewalks as seen here, than a family compound.