Guozijian Street
Guozijian Street, also known as the "Imperial College Street," is one of Beijing’s best-preserved historical and cultural blocks. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1306), it served as the hub of China’s ancient educational and Confucian ritual systems, centered around the Guozijian (Imperial College) and the Temple of Confucius. The 680-meter-long, east-west street is lined with traditional courtyard houses, vermillion-walled temples, and stone-carved archways, embodying the architectural and cultural essence of imperial Beijing. Designated a protected cultural heritage site in 2009, it remains a living museum of China’s scholarly traditions.
Historical Overview
Built in 1306 under Emperor Chengzong of the Yuan Dynasty, Guozijian Street was originally named "Chengxian Street." It became the national academic center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where the Guozijian educated elite scholars for imperial examinations. The adjacent Temple of Confucius, founded in 1302, hosted annual rituals honoring Confucius. In 1905, the Guozijian was replaced by modern schools, but the street retained its historical layout. Today, it blends cultural heritage with contemporary cafes and art galleries, attracting scholars and tourists alike.
Structural Layout
The street follows a traditional east-west axis, flanked by low-rise courtyard buildings and gray-brick walls. Key landmarks include:
Guozijian (Imperial College): Located at the eastern end, featuring a symmetrical layout with the Biyong Hall (central lecture hall) and Six Pavilions.
Temple of Confucius: Adjacent to Guozijian, with a three-tiered vermillion gate and a courtyard housing stone stelae inscribed with Confucian classics.
Glazed Archways: Two Qing Dynasty (17th-century) archways, "Yizhi" and "Chengxian," mark the street’s entrances.
Traditional Hutongs: Side lanes like Wuyi Hutong and Guozijian Hutong preserve old Beijing’s residential charm.
Major Attractions
Biyong Hall (Guozijian): A circular wooden hall with a dragon-carved ceiling, once used for imperial lectures.
Dacheng Hall (Temple of Confucius): The main sanctuary, housing a 4-meter-tall statue of Confucius.
Stone Steles: Over 190 Qing Dynasty stelae in the Temple of Confucius, inscribed with Confucian teachings.
Yizhi Archway: A glazed-tile archway at the street’s west end, symbolizing scholarly virtue.
Traditional Courtyards: Restored residences like the Former Residence of Ji Xiaolan (Qing scholar) offer glimpses of scholarly life.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Start at Yizhi Archway → Temple of Confucius (Dacheng Hall, Stone Steles) → Guozijian (Biyong Hall, Six Pavilions) → Wuyi Hutong (traditional shops) → Exit at Chengxian Archway.
Highlights: Core Confucian ritual sites and imperial academic architecture.
- Cultural Deep Dive (3–4 hours):
Add: Guozijian Museum (exhibits on ancient education) → Former Residence of Ji Xiaolan → Local tea houses (experience traditional tea culture).
Highlights: Scholarly heritage and local lifestyle.
Ticket Purchase
Guozijian & Temple of Confucius: Joint ticket ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students). Free for children under 1.2m.
Online: Book via WeChat mini-programs (e.g., "Guozijian Museum") up to 3 days in advance.
On-Site: Tickets available at entrances, but queues form during peak hours (9–11 AM).
Transportation
Subway: Line 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station (Exit C), walk 5 minutes west.
Bus: Routes 13, 63, 84, 116, 117 to Guozijian Stop.
Taxi: Direct to "Guozijian Jie" (Guozijian Street).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit early (8:30–10 AM) or late (3–4 PM); weekends and holidays are busiest.
Season: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (street is uneven).
Bring cash for small shops and tea houses.
Photography allowed (no flash in museums).
Prohibited: Selfie sticks, drones, and large bags.
Try local snacks like jianbing (savory crepes) from street vendors.
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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
