Confucius Temple, Beijing

Confucius Temple, Beijing


The Confucius Temple of Beijing is the biggest temple to Confucius in China outside of Confucius' birthplace in Qufu, Shandong Province.

The Confucius Temple is located next to Lama Temple. It is entered through an alleyway with a magnificent archway, or pailau, one of the few that is still standing in Beijing.

The Confucius Temple was built in 1302 by the Mongols. It was expanded during the reign of the last emperor in 1906.

Inside the Confucius Temple are 200 stone tablets, or stelae, with the names of those who have passed the imperial civil service examination. There are also tablets on the backs of the bixi, a mythical tortoise. These tablets are sheltered by pavilions and surrounded by cypress trees

In the main hall of Confucius Temjple are the statue of Confucius and his disciples.

How to reach the Confucius Temple

Take the subway to Yonghe Gong subway station. The temple is open 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.

Temple of Confucius, Beijing