Tourism GuideConfucius Temple
The Beijing Confucius Temple is the second largest Confucian temple in China after the one in Confucius hometown Qufu and serves as a sacred site dedicated to the great Chinese philosopher Confucius
Key Information
Built Year
1302
Dynasty
Yuan Dynasty
Area
22000 square meters
UNESCO Status
Part of Beijing Historic Sites
Main Hall
Dacheng Hall
Stone Tablets
198 tablets
Nearest Metro
Yonghegong Lama Temple Station Line 2
Best Time to Visit
Spring and Autumn
Built in 1302 during the Yuan Dynasty the Beijing Confucius Temple stands as one of the most important Confucian temples in China Located near the Lama Temple this magnificent complex covers an area of 22000 square meters and has served as a place for imperial ceremonies honoring Confucius for centuries The temple complex features traditional Chinese architecture with beautiful courtyards ancient cypress trees and numerous stone steles The main hall Dacheng Hall houses a statue of Confucius and is surrounded by 198 stone tablets containing the complete Thirteen Confucian Classics The temple also served as the Imperial Academy during the Yuan Ming and Qing dynasties making it a center of education and Confucian learning for over 700 years
Things to Do
- Explore the Four Courtyards each representing different aspects of Confucian philosophy
- Visit Dacheng Hall the main hall with its magnificent architecture and statue of Confucius
- Examine the 198 stone steles containing the complete Thirteen Confucian Classics
- Walk through the Imperial Academy section where scholars studied for imperial examinations
- Admire the ancient cypress trees some over 700 years old
- Learn about the imperial ceremonies held here during the Yuan Ming and Qing dynasties
- See the collection of stone tablets from various historical periods
- Experience the peaceful atmosphere of this scholarly sanctuary