Confucius Temple

Confucius Temple is the temple where Confucius, an ancient Chinese thinker, is worshipped. Confucius (551-479BC), named Q iu, also styled as Zhong Ni, was a man living in the Spring and Autumn Period.

The Confucian School he created advocates rule by virtue, benevolent government, and upholds ethics. Confucius thus won high praise from men of noble of feudal society through out ages, and honored as master, wise man, sage and is worshipped in temples built in various places.

Beijing Confucius Temple is the second largest of its kind in China. It is located on the northern side of Chengxian Street on the inner side of Anding Gate to the northeast of the urban area.

The temple occupies an area of about 22,000 sq m. Centered at Dacheng Hall, the front side consists of XIanshi Gate and Dacheng Gate; the back side is Chongsheng Memorial Hall enshrined with the memorial tablets of Confucius’ ancestors.

Outside Dacheng Gate are divine kitchen, Well Pavilion, Slaughter Pavilion, Zhizhai House, and Divine Storehouse, etc. There are 14 tablets pavilions and two “forest of tablets” inside the temple.