The Confucius Temple in Beijing is the second largest Confucian temple in China, second only to the sacred temple in the philosopher`s hometown of Qufu. Located in the very center of the capital, on Guozijian Street, it neighbors the Lama Temple (Yonghegong). This is a place where peace and tranquility reign amidst the bustling metropolis, allowing visitors to reflect on the beautiful and eternal, as Confucius himself did.
History and Status
The temple was built in 1306 during the Yuan Dynasty and served as the main site for sacrifices to the great thinker until 1911. Emperors of three dynasties — Yuan, Ming, and Qing — regularly paid tribute to Confucius here during solemn ceremonies in spring and autumn. From 1981 to 2005, part of the Capital Museum`s exhibition was housed on its grounds.
Today, the Confucius Temple and the neighboring Imperial Academy (Guozijian) operate as a single museum complex. It is the only surviving architectural complex in China that fully embodies the ancient principle of "temple on the left, school on the right."
Architecture and Structure
The Confucius Temple complex consists of four courtyards arranged along a north-south axis. The total area of the architectural ensemble exceeds 50,000 square meters. The temple grounds are enclosed by a brick wall, and the main gate, known as the Gate of the First Teacher (Xianshimen), faces south.
Passing through it, visitors enter a cozy inner courtyard, where rows of stone steles with inscriptions immediately catch the eye. Going further, you will reach the Gate of Great Learning (Dachengmen), in front of which stands a statue of Confucius. Behind this gate is the second courtyard, where the main structure — the Dachengdian Hall — rises.
Temple Grounds: Division into Eastern and Western Parts
The Confucius Temple is conventionally divided into two zones that offer visitors different experiences. The main, eastern part is the ceremonial and most visited area. Here are located the main gate, central courtyards, the Dachengdian Hall, and the main steles with the names of graduates. This is the part where official imperial ceremonies were held and where the main historical exhibition is concentrated.
The western part of the temple is quieter and less crowded. Here are auxiliary rooms that were used for preparing ceremonies and storing ritual utensils. This part also contains additional exhibition halls where you can see items related to the life and teachings of Confucius, as well as examples of calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting. The western part of the temple includes several small pavilions surrounded by greenery, where you can rest from the bustle and enjoy the silence. There is also a small inner garden with ancient trees and stone compositions, creating an atmosphere of solitude and contemplation.
Main Attractions of the Confucius Temple
The Stele Museum — The Temple`s Main Treasure
The Stele Museum is the most important part of the Confucius Temple and should not be missed. Here is what you can see:
Steles with the Names of Jinshi
On both sides of the first courtyard are installed 198 stone steles, on which are carved the names of 51,624 people who successfully passed the highest state examinations for the academic degree of "jinshi" during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The examinations were held once every three years, and were personally administered by the emperor. Many of those whose names are carved here left a significant mark on Chinese history — among them Lin Zexu and Zeng Guofan. Visitors can "search for treasure" among the names to find familiar historical figures and even touch the stele for good luck in their studies.
The Qianlong Stone Canons
Between the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy are 189 steles on which are carved the "Thirteen Classics" — the most important Confucian texts, comprising more than 630,000 characters. These are the most completely preserved sacred texts carved in stone in China.
Dachengdian Hall — The Main Sanctuary
This is the central structure of the Confucius Temple, where emperors held official ceremonies of worship to the great sage. Against the backdrop of mighty ancient cypresses, its multi-tiered roof covered with yellow glazed tiles stands out. Inside the hall is a memorial tablet of Confucius, as well as ritual musical instruments and sculptures of the philosopher`s disciples.
Ancient Trees — Living Witnesses of History
The Confucius Temple is known not only for its architecture but also for its unique trees:
Ancient Cypresses — here grow ancient cypresses planted as early as the 13th century, more than 700 years old. One of the most famous is the "Cypress That Distinguishes Traitors," in front of the Dachengdian Hall. Legend has it that its branches fall toward the side of the wicked, and touching it can bring good luck in studies.
Century-Old Wisterias — more than ten ancient wisteria vines, over a hundred years old, freely twine around the cypresses, creating cascades of purple-pink flowers that fall like waterfalls. During the flowering period, the temple turns into an incredibly picturesque place, where red walls, golden tiles, and gray steles combine with delicate lilac hues.
Practical Information for Visitors
• How to Get There: take the metro to Yonghegong Station (Lines 2 and 5), Exit G.
• Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00 (April–October) and 8:30–16:30 (November–March), entry closes one hour before closing.
• Entrance Ticket: 30 yuan (includes visit to the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy). Tickets should be purchased online; advance booking is required.
• If you are a student, be sure to find and touch the stele with the names of graduates — it is believed to bring good luck in exams.
The Confucius Temple gives a good understanding of how wisdom and knowledge were honored in China. The main attractions here are the steles with the names of graduates, the ancient cypresses, and the peaceful atmosphere. The Confucius Temple is worth visiting if you want to understand how important knowledge and respect for learning are to Chinese culture. A walk through its quiet courtyards, examining the names on the stone steles and the ancient trees, will be remembered no less than a visit to the crowded imperial palaces.
