Temple of Confucius in Beijing

Located on Guozijian Street inside Anding Gate, the Temple of Confucius in Beijing is the place where people paid homage to Confucius during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Its neighbor in the west is Beijing Guozijian (Imperial Academy), which was the institute of the highest education well preserved in China. 

The Temple of Confucius in Beijing was initially built in 1302 and additions were made during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a total area of 5.4 acres (22,000 square meters). It is the second largest temple constructed for Confucius, the greatest thinker and educationalist in ancient China, ranking only behind the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong Province.
Dacheng Hall, Beijing Confucius Temple
Dacheng Hall

This temple consists of four courtyards. The main structures include Xianshi Gate (Gate of the First Teacher), Dacheng Gate (Gate of Great Accomplishment), Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Accomplishment) and Chongshengci (Worship Hall). Dacheng Hall is the main building in the temple, where the memorial ceremony for the sage was often held. Inside the temple one can see that 198 stone tablets are positioned on either side of the front courtyard, containing 51,624 names of Jinshi (the advanced scholars) of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Also 14 stone stele pavilions of the Ming and Qing dynasties hold the precious historical information of ancient China.
Statue of Confucius
Statue of Confucius
Temple of Confucius
Ancient Steles

One item of note is the 700-year-old Chujian Bai (Touch Evil Cypress) in the temple. Its name is associated with an ancient legend. During the Ming Dynasty, one day the superior official-Yan Song came to worship the sage on behalf of the emperor. When he was passing by the cypress, one of the branches of the tree took his hat off. Since Yan Song was a treacherous official, people thought the old tree could distinguish between good and evil people. Hence its name.

In the temple, you can also find remarkable pictures like two flying dragons playing a pearl among clouds, which are believed to be used only in the imperial palaces because dragon stands for emperor in ancient China. From those, it is easy to imagine the importance of this temple in the feudal society of China.

Beijing Confucius Temple
 

How to get to Beijing Confucius Temple

 By Bus:
Take bus 13 or 84 and get off at Guozijian Station, then walk north for about 50 meters (55 yards) and turn left, walk for 250 meters (273 yards) to the south gate.
 By Subway:
Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghegong Station. Get out from Exit G. Walk south along Yonghegong Street for about four minutes. Then walk west along Guozijian Street and you can see the entrance of this temple.
Beijing Bus / Subway Search
 
Admission Fee CNY 30 - combo ticket for the temple and Guozijian
Free for children under 3.9 feet (1.2m).
Opening Hours May to October: 08:30 to 18:00, tickets sale ends at 17:00
November to April: 08:30 to 17:00, ticket sale ends at 16:30
 Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.
Recommended Time for a Visit One hour

 Nearby Attractions:
    Yonghe Temple
    Guijie Street

 Further Reading:
    Nanjing Confucius Temple
    Shanghai Confucius Temple
    Pingyao Confucius Temple
- Last updated on Dec. 19, 2023 by Kate Liu -
Questions & Answers on Temple of Confucius in Beijing
Asked by ASHATAN1903 | Dec. 26, 2016 07:56Reply
Is the Beijing Temple of Confucius easy to access from my hotel?
I am staying at The Classic Courtyard, No. 31 Beixin Hutong Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng.
Answers (1)
Answered by Lillian from AUSTRALIA | Dec. 26, 2016 20:13
00Reply


Yes, from your hotel, just walk northwest around 600 yards to find the scenic area.
Asked by P from CANADA | Jul. 03, 2015 23:44Reply
Temple of Confucius or Temple of Heaven
Hi, if we are limited in our stay in Beijing (seeing Forbidden city, Tiananmen square for sure), would you recommend seeing the Temple of Confucius or Temple of Heaven or other recommendations?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jess from FINLAND | Jul. 04, 2015 01:28
11Reply


I personally prefer Temple of Heaven. If time permits, you can also go to Summer Palace. Have fun~
Asked by chin hoi chiang from INDONESIA | May. 27, 2013 23:59Reply
I would like to know further about Temple of Confucius tour in beijing
why we want to visit this temple is we want to pray , is there more any such temples in this city?
Answers (1)
Answered by Helen from USA | May. 28, 2013 04:10
11Reply


I'm afraid there are not many such temples. I just ever heard the one at Guozijian Street.
Asked by Mr.smith | Nov. 12, 2010 08:05Reply
I don't know how to get to Beijing confucius temple. Can you help me?
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.chang | Nov. 13, 2010 03:39
31Reply


As mentioned on this page, you may take bus no.13, 116 or 684 or subway line 2 or 5 to this place? Where are you located?
Ask a Question
Question Summary (100 characters)
Details (optional) (2,000 characters)
NameCountryEmail