Confucius Temple

Historical Overview

The construction of the Confucius Temple in Nanjing was initiated in 1034. During the Southern Song Dynasty, it became an important center for education and the imperial examination system in the region. Many scholars and students gathered here to study and take exams. Over the next few hundred years, it witnessed the rise and fall of different dynasties. In the Ming Dynasty, it was renovated on a large scale, and its scale and grandeur were greatly enhanced. During the Qing Dynasty, it continued to flourish as a place for Confucian learning. In modern times, especially after the founding of New China, the government has carried out several large - scale restoration projects to preserve and showcase this cultural treasure.

Structural Layout

The Confucius Temple complex follows a traditional Chinese architectural layout with a clear axis and symmetrical structure. It mainly consists of the following parts:

• The Main Temple Area: This is the core part, centered around the Dacheng Hall, which is the main place for worshiping Confucius. It is a magnificent wooden structure with a high - pitched roof and exquisite decorations.
• The Academic Area: Surrounding the main temple are various buildings related to education, such as the Mingde Hall, which was used for lectures and academic discussions. There are also libraries and study rooms where scholars could conduct research and students could study.
• The Ancillary Buildings: These include the Pailou (a decorative archway), the Lingxing Gate, and the Panchi (a pond in front of the temple). The Pailou serves as an entrance marker, while the Lingxing Gate is a symbolic gateway to the sacred area. The Panchi adds a touch of elegance to the overall layout and is often associated with good luck in traditional Chinese culture.

Major Attractions

1. Dacheng Hall: As the most important building in the complex, it is a grand wooden hall with a double - eaved roof. Inside, there is a large statue of Confucius, surrounded by statues of his famous disciples. The hall is richly decorated with colorful paintings and intricate wood carvings, showcasing the high - level craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.
2. Pailou: The Pailou at the entrance of the Confucius Temple is a magnificent stone structure. It is engraved with beautiful patterns and inscriptions, which convey the significance of Confucianism and the temple. Standing tall and imposing, it welcomes visitors into the sacred cultural space.
3. Qinhuai River Scenic Area Adjacent to the Temple: The Confucius Temple is located along the Qinhuai River, which adds a unique charm to the site. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the ancient buildings along the banks and experiencing the romantic atmosphere of the "Solitary Moon over the Qinhuai River."
4. Confucius Temple Cultural Street: This street is lined with various shops selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, souvenirs, and local snacks. It is a great place to experience the local folk culture and buy some unique gifts.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2 - 3 hours):
   • Start from the Pailou at the entrance.
   • Walk through the Lingxing Gate and enter the main temple area.
   • Visit the Dacheng Hall to pay respects to Confucius and appreciate the architectural beauty.
   • Stroll along the Panchi and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
   • Then, explore the Confucius Temple Cultural Street to experience the local culture and buy some souvenirs.
   • Highlights: The core architectural wonders of the temple and the vibrant cultural street.
2. Extended Route (4 - 5 hours):
   • Follow the classic route first.
   • After visiting the cultural street, take a boat ride on the Qinhuai River to enjoy the river scenery and the ancient buildings along the banks.
   • Get off the boat and visit some of the smaller temples and pavilions within the complex, such as the Jiangnan Gongyuan (the Imperial Examination Museum in the south of the Yangtze River), which provides insights into the ancient Chinese imperial examination system.
   • Highlights: In addition to the classic attractions, the river cruise and a deeper understanding of the imperial examination culture.
3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   • Begin with the classic route in the morning.
   • Have lunch at a local restaurant near the temple to taste authentic Nanjing cuisine.
   • In the afternoon, take the extended route, including the boat ride and visiting the Jiangnan Gongyuan.
   • In the evening, return to the Confucius Temple Cultural Street to enjoy the night view. The illuminated buildings and the lively atmosphere at night create a completely different experience from the daytime.
   • Highlights: A full - day in - depth exploration of all aspects of the Confucius Temple, from architecture and culture to food and nightlife.

Ticket Purchase

• Online: You can book tickets through the official website of the Confucius Temple in Nanjing or popular online travel platforms such as Ctrip and Qunar. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons and holidays, to ensure your visit.
• On - Site: Tickets are also available at the ticket offices near the entrance of the temple. However, during busy periods, there may be long queues, so online booking is more convenient.
• Prices:
  • The general adult ticket price is around ¥30 - ¥40.
  • Students and seniors can enjoy a discounted price, usually around ¥15 - ¥20, with valid identification documents.
  • Children under a certain height (usually 1.2 - 1.4 meters) may be eligible for free or discounted tickets.

Transportation

• By Subway:
  • Take Line 3 and get off at Fuzimiao Station. Exit the station and follow the signs to the Confucius Temple, which is within walking distance.
• By Bus:
  • Several bus routes pass by the Confucius Temple, including Bus No. 1, 4, 7, 30, 31, 40, 44, 49, 62, 802, etc. You can get off at the Fuzimiao Stop and walk to the temple.
• By Taxi:
  • You can directly tell the taxi driver to take you to the Confucius Temple in Nanjing. It is a well - known landmark in the city, so most drivers will know the location.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Hours: Try to avoid visiting between 10 AM and 2 PM, as this is usually the busiest time. It is better to arrive early when the temple opens (usually around 8:30 - 9:00 AM) or visit later in the afternoon after 3 PM.
• Crowds: Weekends and public holidays are extremely crowded. If possible, choose to visit on weekdays for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
• Weather: Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful, which is very suitable for outdoor activities.
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you will need to do a lot of walking within the large complex.
  • Bring some water and snacks, although there are also food and drink vendors inside the temple area.
  • Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful and avoid using flash in some of the more sacred or delicate areas.
  • Prohibited items include large backpacks, pets, and flammable and explosive materials.