Beijing Temple of Confucius — Attraction in Beijing

The Confucius Temple at Beijing is the second largest Confucian Temple in China after the one in Confucius' hometown of Qufu, Shandong Province. It was built in 1302, and imperial officials used it to pay their respects to Confucius (551-479BC), the greatest thinker, educationist and founder of Confucianism. The compound was enlarged twice, during the Ming and Qing dynasties and now occupies 22,000 square meters. From 1981 to 2005, the Confucius Temple also housed part of the art collection of the Capital Museum.

The Confucius Temple stands on Guozijian Street connects to the Imperial Academy inside. The complex includes four courtyards aligned along a central axis. From south to north, noteworthy structures includes: the Xianshi Gate (Gate of the Sage Master), Dacheng Gate (Gate of Great Accomplishment), Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Accomplishment) and Chongshengci (Shrine of the Great Sage). Dacheng Hall is the main building in the temple, where the memorial ceremony for Confucius was held. There is a broad yard in front of the Dacheng Hall, with straight paved path and 11 merits recording pavilions on both sides. Dacheng Hall has a double-eave roof covered with yellow glazed tiles. Inside the hall, the tablet of Confucius is put in the middle flanked by tablets of his four main disciples and 12 renowned Confucian scholars of...

The Beijing Temple of Confucius is a quiet and culturally rich site, often overlooked compared to the more famous attractions in the city. Built in 1302, it is the second largest Confucian temple in China and offers a calm, reflective atmosphere surrounded by centuries of history. The temple grounds are shaded by ancient cypress trees, some said to be hundreds of years old, adding to the sense of timelessness.

The halls and stone steles are beautifully preserved, with many carved inscriptions honoring Confucius and his teachings. The Dacheng Hall, the main hall, stands out with its traditional architecture and solemn ambiance. Unlike busier temples in Beijing, this one feels more serene, making it a good place to slow down and appreciate the cultural legacy of Confucianism.

Located right next to the Lama Temple, it’s easy to combine the two visits. If you are interested in Chinese philosophy, education, and history, this temple is well...

This place is highly recommended. The Temple of Confucius in Beijing was built in 1306 and is the second largest temple dedicated to Confucius after the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, the philosopher's hometown in Shandong Province. It is located in the north-east of the old city centre of Beijing, in the immediate vicinity of the former city gate Andingmen and the Lama Temple. The complex covers an area of around 22,000 square metres. The temple houses over 300 steles with inscriptions of the names of successful graduates as well as some classical Confucian texts. Exhibition halls present the history of Confucianism. I was in Beijing on business and visited the Confucius Temple. As a souvenir, I received a...