Why visit Confucius Temple and Imperial College?
In the depths of Beijing's hutongs lies a 'holy land for Top Students' - the Imperial College, in Chinese, it is called Guozijian. As the highest academic institution of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, this is not only the top campus of ancient China, but also a great place for children to experience cultural atmosphere at present. 

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy have a history of more than 700 years, founded in the Yuan Dynasty. With the temple in the left and the college lies in the right side, the emperors worshiped Confucius and the highest central academic institution in the ancient times. 

During Confucius's time, trading was an exclusive privilege reserved for the nobility's offspring. However, Confucius advocated for the democratization of education, proposing that everyone, regardless of social status, should have equal access to education. thus earning him the title of "cultural giant". Confucius's educational philosophy emphasizes a wide range of subjects, including rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics, aiming to cultivate students' all-round qualities. His educational ideas have had a profound and lasting impact on the development of Chinese society.

Tai Xue Gate of Imperial College

Immersive Experience at Imperial College

Must-see spots: 
--Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Perfection): The Dacheng Gate was the venue where ancient ceremonies in honor of Confucius were held, and it serves as the main structure of the Confucius Temple.
--Piyong Hall (Imperial Lecture Hall): It is the only imperial "academic building" in ancient times, with a square palace surrounded by a circular pool, symbolizing "the round heaven and the square earth." Emperor Qianlong once delivered lectures here, which further enhanced its fame.
--Imperial Stele Forest: The calligraphic works left behind by over 1,300 renowned figures and capable ministers from ancient China here hold significant historical and cultural value. Some parents bring their children to touch the stele inscribed with the calligraphy of Emperor Qianlong, hoping for their children's academic success.

What Chinese do here:
--Worship the statue of Confucius, expressing their respect and praying for academic progress for themselves or their children.
--In the backyard of the Dacheng Hall stands a touchable jade statue of Confucius, symbolizing people can get Confucius's knowledge and wisdom.
--The glazed memorial archway across the Imperial College means that students can leap over the Dragon Gate and achieve excellent results.
--After the visit, people can explore the nearby Lama Temple, stroll through the charming Hutong area, and sample some local snacks.

Statue of Confucius

The Memorial Archway, Guozijian