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The Shou County Confucius Temple, located on West Street in the city, was built during the Yuan Dynasty. From the first year of the Yuan Taiding reign ( 1324 ) to the sixth year of the Qing Guangxu reign ( 1880 ), it was repaired and expanded 42 times, forming a large-scale, well-organized architectural complex.
The temple faces south and covers an area of about 20,000 square meters. In front of it are the large screen wall, the Civilization Archway, and the Wenbi Pavilion. To the east is the Wenchang Palace. To the west are the Loyalty and Filial Piety Poems, the Filial Piety Poems, and the Filial Piety Archway.
In front of the first courtyard are three squares: " Floating Palace " , " Kuai Du " and " Yang Gao " , and behind them are three gates: " Gen Xing " , " Jin Sheng " and " Yu Zhen " . On the left and right are two squares : " Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth " and " Dao Guan Gu Jin " facing each other.
The center of the second courtyard is the " Banchi , " the East Li Gate, and the West Yi Road. North of the pond, on the central axis, is the " Front Gate ," with its side rooms housing the famous officials' chambers. To the west are the shrines for local virtuous men. The main body of the third courtyard is the Dacheng Hall, flanked by East and West Pavilions.
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The Shou County Confucius Temple is a historical and cultural site dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius. It was built to honor his teachings and to serve as a center for the practice of Confucianism. The temple is significant for its well-preserved architecture and the role it played in the spread of Confucian thought in the region.
The Shou County Confucius Temple is located in Shou County, Huainan, Anhui. You can reach it by taking a taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options like buses may also be available, though a taxi might be the most convenient option for visitors.
The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn, as the weather is pleasant and the temple grounds are particularly beautiful during these seasons.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the temple's entrance, and it may be possible to buy tickets online through local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons or public holidays to avoid waiting in line.
Visiting the temple typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the architecture, artifacts, and surrounding gardens.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in other languages, such as English, may be available, but it’s advisable to check in advance.
The best photography spots are around the main hall and in the temple courtyards. The traditional architecture, combined with the natural surroundings, provides excellent backdrops for photos.
Night visits are not generally available. However, during certain festivals, the temple may host cultural performances or events related to Confucian traditions.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit on weekdays, preferably in the early morning hours.
The temple has basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs and snacks. Water stations are also available throughout the site.
The temple is accessible for elderly and children visitors, but some areas with stairs may present challenges for disabled individuals. It is advisable to check for accessibility information at the site.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all facilities.
There are local restaurants and cafés nearby where you can try Anhui cuisine, including dishes like braised pork and tofu. A small café may also be available near the temple entrance.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants, though halal food options may be limited in the area.
Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses are located in Shou County or Huainan city, about 20-30 minutes by car from the temple.
Souvenir shops near the temple sell items such as Confucius-related memorabilia, traditional Chinese crafts, and local snacks.
Taxis or private car services are the best options for continuing your trip. Local buses may also be available, though they are less convenient for further sightseeing.
