Nanjing Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)

Confucius Temple at night
 Nanjing Confucius Temple Photos
The Confucius Temple in Nanjing was a place to worship and consecrate Confucius, a great philosopher and educator of ancient China. It is also known as Fuzimiao in Chinese. Originally, the temple was constructed in the year of 1034 in the Song Dynasty (420-589). It suffered repeated damage and has been rebuilt on several occasions since that time. 1937 was the most destruction when it was burnt to ruin by Japanese aggressors. In 1984 the temple was rebuilt under the support of the local government. During the long process, the original building expanded to be a complex building in the architectural style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, including the Nanjing Confucius Temple itself, China Imperial Examination Museum and Xue Gong (the Imperial Academy). The complex is still called the Confucius Temple out of habit by locals and visitors.

In front of the Nanjing Confucius Temple, the Qin Huai River is flowing. On the south bank of the river, there is the longest screen wall in China which is 110-meter-long (about 120 yards) and piled with bricks. The Dacheng Hall is recommended on your trip. It is 16.22 meters high (about 53 feet) and 28.1 meters (about 30 yards) wide featuring a 1.5-meter-high (about 5 feet) pedestal. There are two worthwhile attractions found in the inner hall. One is the largest figure of Confucius in China. The other one is the beautiful collection of 38 vivid panels which are made by various jade, gold and silver, detailing the life of Confucius. Out of the hall, you will see the bronze statue of Confucius as well as the white marble statues of his eight disciples.
Nanjing Confucius Temple
Qin Huai River
Elegant temples by river
Qin Huai River
A fantastic insight into how ancient Chinese governments choose officials can be gained from visiting the Jiangnan Gongyuan. It is a sight not to be missed. The development of Gongyuan began in the Southern Song Dynasty, expanding into the Ming and Qing Dynasties, until in the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. It developed to be the biggest exanimation school in China. The main building of Gongyuan is the three-storied Mingyuan Tower which is surrounded by 20,644 examination cells, called 'haoshe' in Chinese. Now, a specialized museum on the imperial civil examination system is built here. Visitors also have the opportunity to take simulated exams and experience the joys and sorrows of the candidates.
China Imperial Examination Museum
China Imperial Examination Museum
Nanjing Fuzi Miao
First School in Southeast China
The area around Nanjing Confucius Temple consists of a series of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and tea cafes. They all appear to be in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing style. A variety of snacks encompassing eight of the most famous flavours are available for purchase at here. Everyone's individual tastes are well catered for. They are necessary parts of food culture in Nanjing.

Not far from the pedestrian street, there is Bailuzhou Park. Unlike the bustling area, it’s quiet and peaceful. If you want to seek quiet, you can go there to feel another version of Nanjing.
 

How to get to Nanjing Confucius Temple

1. Take Metro line 3 to Fuzimiao (Nanjing Confucius Temple) or line 1 to Sanshanjie.
2. Take bus 4, 7, 30, 31, 40, 44, 49, 202, or 304 to Jiankang Lu, Fuzimiao.
3. Take bus 1 or G5 to Taipingnan Lu, Fuzimiao.
Nanjing Bus / Metro Search
 
Dacheng Hall Jiangnan Examination School (Jiangnan Gongyuan)
Entrance Fee CNY30;
CNY15 for children between 1.3 and 1.5m (4.3 - 4.9 feet).
CNY50
Opening Hours 9:00 - 21:30 9:00 - 22:00

 
 Further Reading:
     Temple of Confucius in Beijing
     Shanghai Confucius Temple
     Qufu Confucius Temple (Kong Miao)
     Pingyao Confucius Temple

Further Reading:
Top 10 Things to Do in Nanjing
12 Best Places to Visit in Nanjing

- Last updated on Nov. 19, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on Nanjing Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao)
Asked by Rebecca Lim from SINGAPORE | Feb. 22, 2024 21:49Reply
Confucius Temple & Qin Huai River
I am staying at Nanjing Kaibin Apartment - Kai Run No.52.0star 南京凯润5号酒店公寓. what is the best way to travel to Confucius Temple & Qin Huai River ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Hailey | Feb. 25, 2024 18:44
00Reply


Take Metro Line 2 from Xinjiekou Station to Daxinggong Station and then transfer to Metro Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station. Walk out of the Exit 2 and you can see your destination. It takes about 30 mins and costs CNY 2.

It is also recommended to take a taxi directly as it is only about 4 km from the hotel.
Asked by Xinhe | Nov. 17, 2023 20:38Reply
Is there a ticket office on site?
Is there a ticket office on site? Or do we have to buy tickets in advance online? How can a foreigner buy tickets in advance online?
Answers (1)
Answered by Harry | Nov. 19, 2023 23:53
00Reply


You can buy it at the spot.
Asked by Melissa from CHINA | Apr. 25, 2018 21:47Reply
What time does the Nanjing Confucius Temple close on Weekends?
I've heard the Qinhuai River area is best to visit at night time, I was also hoping to visit Fuzimiao at the same time, do you know the latest entry time? Thanks!
Answers (2)
Answered by Nicole from ENGLAND | Apr. 26, 2018 19:47
10Reply


I was told it’s closed around 21:30.
Answered by Melissa from CHINA | Apr. 26, 2018 21:06
00Reply


Thank you very much!
Asked by Madhu from INDIA | Mar. 10, 2018 00:07Reply
Nanjing confucius temple tour
Hello am a foreigner and I want to visit confucius temple.. can I do it all by myself or do I need a tour guide? I am staying in Shangri-la Hotel. Can I take a taxi to the temple?. please suggest ..
Answers (1)
Answered by Charlie from UKRAINE | Mar. 12, 2018 04:54
00Reply


Yes, you can take a taxi to there. It costs around CNY 25. I think it will be ok for you to visit the temple by yourself.
Asked by Felix from SINGAPORE | Oct. 30, 2017 20:07Reply
Looking for Er Hu chinese instrument near confucius temple in Nanjing
I'll be going there and stay in a Hotel near confucius temple. Could you advise where I can find good Er Hu chinese instrument around that area. Thanks.
Answers (2)
Answered by Lara from DENMARK | Oct. 30, 2017 21:35
00Reply


I happen to know a store, Lulinsheng Er Hu Store in 30 Toutiao Lane, East Zhongshan Rd, which is about 4km north to the temple. You can take bus 202 to East Zhongshan Rd, Yixianqiao, and then walk southeast for 5 minutes to the store.
Answered by Felix from SINGAPORE | Nov. 01, 2017 03:04
00Reply


Thanks Lara.
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