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The Anxi Confucian Temple, commonly known as the Confucius Temple, is located in the southern corner of Anxi County, Fujian Province (east of present-day Datong Road). Originally built in 1001, the fourth year of the Xianping reign of the Song Dynasty, it is a relic of reconstructions in the early Qing Dynasty. In June 2006, the Anxi Confucian Temple was designated as a key cultural relic protection site in the sixth batch by the State Council and the Ministry of Culture.
In the 12th year of the Shaoxing reign (1142), the county magistrate, Yang Gan, relocated the school to its present location. Throughout the ages, it has been a place of worship for Confucius, renowned as "the most beautiful in Jiangnan" and "the most famous in Fujian." The remaining buildings are relics of reconstructions in the early Qing Dynasty. In June 2006, the Anxi Confucian Temple was designated by the State Council and the Ministry of Culture as a sixth-batch National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.
The Anxi Confucian Temple is a palace-style building, proudly situated on a north-south central axis. The entire complex is rectangular, 164 meters long from north to south and 36.5 meters wide from east to west, with a total floor area of 9,495 square meters. The complex is symmetrically arranged from south to north. From south to north, it features the Pan Pond, Zhao Wall, Lingxing Gate, Ji Gate, east and west verandas, Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Hall, and the Teaching Office. To the east, Minglun Hall stands. Surrounded by a wall, the temple boasts a well-planned layout, a complete structure, distinct layers, and a grand scale of engineering, exquisite artistry, and grandeur. It possesses distinct characteristics of its time and local context, and its artistic and scientific value is considerable, reflecting the high level of material culture achieved by Anxi at that time.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Anxi Confucian Temple is the most complete Confucian temple in my country and the most complete ancient architectural art group among the existing buildings in Jiangnan. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Lingxing Gate, Ji Gate, Dacheng Hall;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free and open
08:00-18:00
The Anxi Confucian Temple, located in Anxi, Fujian, is dedicated to Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher and educator. The temple has served as a place of learning, worship, and cultural reflection for centuries, showcasing the importance of Confucianism in Chinese society.
The Anxi Confucian Temple is located in Anxi County, Quanzhou, Fujian. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Anxi city center. There are no direct metro lines, but buses may be available depending on the route.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays, when the temple is less crowded. Avoid public holidays to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee is relatively low, typically around 20 to 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the temple’s entrance. Online booking options are not available for this site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. You can buy tickets directly at the entrance. However, if you are visiting during a special festival, it’s advised to check for any potential requirements.
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple, including walking around the courtyards, visiting the main halls, and reading about the history and culture of Confucianism.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and they offer an in-depth explanation of the temple's history and Confucian philosophy. Audio guides in English may be available, but it’s advisable to check ahead of time.
Start by visiting the main hall to learn about Confucius. Then, walk around the courtyards and explore the smaller shrines and exhibits. Finish by relaxing in the gardens and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Night visits are not typically available at the Anxi Confucian Temple, and there are no light shows. Special tours may be offered during festivals, but regular tours are conducted during the daytime.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or outside of Chinese New Year and other public holidays.
The temple offers basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are no major food vendors inside the temple, but small local shops may be nearby offering refreshments. It’s advisable to bring water with you.
The temple grounds are accessible for children and elderly visitors, although some areas may require walking on uneven paths. The temple is not fully wheelchair accessible due to its ancient structure and terrain.
Cash is the preferred method of payment, although mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly accepted. Credit cards are not usually accepted.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants, but vegan and halal food options may be limited in the area. It’s best to check menus before visiting.
Souvenir shops near the temple offer local handicrafts, Confucius-related items like books and statues, and traditional Fujian teas.
