Confucius Temple and Imperial College
Nestled in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, the Confucius Temple and Imperial College (Guozijian) form a 700-year-old cultural complex blending Yuan Dynasty architecture with Confucian philosophy. Established in 1306, it served as China’s imperial academy and temple for venerating Confucius, shaping scholarly traditions for over six centuries. Today, it stands as a UNESCO-protected site, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle with its ancient cypress trees, stone steles, and scholarly relics.
Historical Overview
Founded during the Yuan Dynasty (1306), the complex expanded under the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Emperors like Kangxi and Qianlong personally oversaw rituals here, cementing its role as the nation’s educational heart. Post-1912, it transformed into a museum, preserving over 198 stone steles inscribed with Confucian classics—a Guinness World Record. In 2005, it underwent restoration, balancing heritage preservation with modern accessibility.
Structural Layout
The complex follows a north-south axis, divided into two sections:
- Confucius Temple: A three-courtyard layout centered on the Hall of Great Perfection (Dachengdian), where Confucius was worshipped.
- Imperial College: Features the Biyong Hall, a circular Ming Dynasty pavilion with a dragon-carved ceiling, symbolizing cosmic harmony.
Key structures include the Glazed Archway, Stone Stele Forest, and Jingyiting Pavilion, showcasing Qing-era calligraphy.
Major Attractions
Hall of Great Perfection: The temple’s main hall, housing a 17th-century Confucius statue and 10 stone tablets of the “Four Books and Five Classics.”
Biyong Hall: A rare octagonal pavilion where emperors lectured scholars, surrounded by a moat symbolizing knowledge’s “flow.”
Stone Stele Forest: Over 198 Qing Dynasty steles inscribed with imperial exam questions and Confucian teachings.
Glazed Archway: A 14th-century Ming Dynasty gateway with dragon-and-phoenix motifs.
Jingyiting Pavilion: A Qing-era teahouse offering views of the temple’s cypress groves.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1–1.5 hours):
Start at Glazed Archway → Hall of Great Perfection → Stone Stele Forest → Exit via Jingyiting Pavilion.
Highlights: Core Confucian architecture and historic steles.
- Cultural Deep Dive (2–3 hours):
Add: Biyong Hall → Imperial College courtyards → Calligraphy workshops (seasonal).
Highlights: Ming Dynasty pavilions and scholarly traditions.
- Comprehensive Route (3–4 hours):
Include: Temple gardens → Qing Dynasty steles → Tea ceremony at Jingyiting Pavilion → Modern cultural exhibitions.
Highlights: Immersive blend of history and art.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program “孔庙国子监” (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at entrances; cash preferred.
- Prices:
Peak Season (April–October): ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students/seniors).
Off-Season (November–March): ¥20 (adults), ¥10 (students/seniors).
Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
Subway: Line 5 to Yonghegong Station (Exit G), walk 10 minutes east.
Bus: Routes 13, 63, 84, 116, or 117 to Guozijian Stop.
Taxi: Direct to Confucius Temple and Imperial College.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early (8:30–10 AM) or late (3–4 PM); weekends are busiest.
Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather and cypress grove views.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths).
Bring a notebook for calligraphy practice (workshops available).
Photography allowed (no flash in halls).
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and loud noise.
Try Local Culture: Attend a seasonal Confucian ceremony or tea ritual.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
