Confucius Temple

Confucius Temple in Beijing, the second largest Confucius Temple in China, is located at the Guozijian Street inside Anding Gate, near the Imperial College. Initially built in 1302, it was the official place where the central government paid homage to Confucius during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In addition to the emperors of the three dynasties, Yuan Shih-kai also worshipped the Confucius at here.

With a total area of 22,000 square meters (5.4 acres), the Confucius Temple has three courtyards with four main buildings on the south-north central axis, names Xianshi Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall and Chongsheng Hall respectively. It contains 14 stone pavilions engraved with more than 51,624 names of Jinshi (advanced scholars) of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties as well as 198 tablets with the inscription of Thirteen Confucian Classics.

History

In Yuan Dynasty, Mongolian took the control of the country and in order to win the Han Chinese support, the emperor ordered to build a Confucius Temple to show their respects to Confucius, a great ancient Chinese thinker and social philosopher. The project started in 1302 and completed in 1306. Later, the temple was promoted to imperial status by replacing its roof with yellow and turquoise tiles. It was open to public in 1928 and the Capital Museum was once placed here.

Visiting Guide

Xianshi Gate is the front gate of Confucius Temple. In front of the gate stand an archway and two dismount stones on both sides. The stones are engraved with inscription stating “dismount from horse at here”.

Heading north is the Dacheng Gate on a huge brick and stone platform. A statue of Confucius stands in front of the gate and the central imperial way behind the statue is carved with the design of five dragons playing a pearl. Along the front corridor are ten carved stone drums made between 1736 and 1795.

Dacheng Hall, the main building in the temple is just behind the Dacheng Gate. It is the place to hold the memorial ceremony for Confucius. Inside the hall, there is shrine to Confucius in the center, along with a large collection of ancient Chinese musical instrument. Chongsheng Hall at the rear courtyard is the place to worship ancestors of Confucius as well as the famous followers of Confucianism.

Other Scenic Spots and Cultural Relics

At the rear west of the temple are groups of the 198 stone steles engraved with the inscription of Thirteen Confucian Classics.

In addition, the temple has many old trees with hundred years’ history. The most famous one is the 700-year-old Chujian Bai (Touch Evil Cypress) which is said to be capable of distinguishing between good and evil people. The folklore goes that the famously corrupt official Yan Song came here to worship Confucius. When he passed by the cypress, his hat was knocked off by the tree. Thus, people thought the tree could tell good and evil and the tree got its name.