Beijing Temple of Confucius - a Famous Temple in Beijing

The Beijing Temple of Confucius was built in 1302 and was a holy area used to make sacrifices to Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties (1271–1912). It's said that the ruler of the Yuan Dynasty fully realized the importance of dominating people's thoughts, so he built the Beijing Temple of Confucius to maintain his rule.

Highlights

Royal Style

A scientific architectural layout, a large-scale area, and luxurious yellow glazed tiles all highlight the ornate royal style.

Valuable Monuments

Seven hundred years have passed and a number of precious cultural relics were left there, which became important historic evidence to research the imperial examination in ancient China.

Eight Attractions Are Worth Exploring

The Beijing Temple of Confucius was not only a sacrificial place but also a typical Chinese architectural structure where you can admire the highlights of ancient buildings.

1. Xianshi Gate

It is the main gate of the Beijing Temple of Confucius. Colored, glazed memorial arches and steles stand in front of this entrance. Xianshi Gate retains the Yuan Dynasty's look, although it was repaired many times during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

2. Jinshi Stone Tablets

There are 198 Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) stone tablets displayed in the western and eastern parts of Dacheng Gate. Among these stone tablets, three are from the Yuan Dynasty, 77 are from the Ming Dynasty, and 118 are from the Qing Dynasty.

3. Dacheng Gate

Dacheng Gate is the second entrance to the Beijing Temple of Confucius. There are 10 carved stone drums, which are relics from 8 BC.

4. Imperial Stone Tablets

There are 14 stone tablets recording the credits of the reigns of Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Yongzheng, and Emperor Qianlong.

5. Touch Evil Cypress

Touch Evil Cypress (chùjiānshù) is the largest cypress tree in this Confucius temple. It's said that it was planted by Xuheng in the Yuan Dynasty, so it has a history of over 700 years so far.

6. Ink Lake

There is an ancient well in the western part of the middle yard, which consists of blue flagstones. According to a legend, the candidates' (who had gone to the capital to sit an examination) articles would be wonderful after they used the water to clean their inkstones.

7. Dacheng Hall

Dacheng Hall is as majestic an architectural structure as the main sacrificial hall, which also has an exceptional roof. Confucius's portrait and memorial tablets are displayed in the middle of Dacheng Hall.