Unlike the bustling crowds at nearby Yonghe Temple, the Confucius Temple (孔庙) and Guozijian Museum (国子监) offer a serene retreat steeped in over 700 years of history. On the left lies the Confucius Temple, a sacred site for honoring Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. On the right is the Guozijian, the highest educational institution of ancient China, akin to today’s prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Peking University. This guide will help you navigate this tranquil cultural oasis in the heart of Beijing.
Location and Admission Details
- Address: No. 13 Guozijian, Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Public Transport: Take Line 5 to Yonghe Temple (雍和宫), exit from Gate G, and walk approximately 700 meters.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday), with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Closed on Mondays.
- Admission Fee: 30 CNY for adults; 15 CNY for students.
- Reservation: Tickets can be booked via the WeChat account “Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum” (孔庙和国子监博物馆).
- Recommended Visit Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Suggested Itinerary
- Xianshi Gate (先师门): The museum entrance, showcasing Yuan dynasty architectural style and displaying name tablets of over 50,000 successful candidates from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
- Dacheng Gate (大成门): The second gate of the Confucius Temple, where a statue of Confucius stands proudly.
- Dacheng Hall (大成殿): The main structure of the Confucius Temple, historically used for rituals honoring Confucius. Don’t miss the exhibitions on either side dedicated to his teachings.
- Qianlong Stone Classic Stele Forest (乾隆石经碑林): A collection of 189 stone tablets inscribed with Confucian classics, one of which features a rubbing technique.
- Glazed Archway (琉璃牌楼): This unique archway, built for educational purposes, features couplets inscribed by Emperor Qianlong on both sides.
- Biyong Hall (辟雍殿): The only surviving ancient lecture hall, where emperors would traditionally teach.
- Imperial Examination Exhibition (金榜题名展): An exhibition focused on the ancient imperial examination system.
Photography Tips
Capture a photo in front of the Confucius statue with Dacheng Gate as your backdrop.
Utilize the architectural depth in the middle corners for stunning shots.
For panoramic views, shoot from the stairs of Dacheng Hall and frame the stele pavilion.
Use the fountain outside Biyong Hall for dynamic shots of the architecture or visitors.
Capture the Confucius statue and sundial behind Biyong Hall for a unique perspective.
Additional Information
Explore the Creative Shop: Before entering the Stele Forest, take some time to browse the creative shop for unique souvenirs.
Free Guided Tours: Volunteer-led tours are available daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, providing valuable insights into the site’s history.
Nearby Attractions: After your visit, consider exploring the nearby Yonghe Temple, Wudaoying Hutong, Ditan Park, and Nanluoguxiang for a full day of cultural exploration.