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Visit the main hall of the temple to admire the traditional architecture and carvings, participate in local cultural activities during festivals, and learn about Confucian teachings. The surrounding environment offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and meditation.
The Confucian Temple is a Ming Dynasty wooden structure, begun in 1455, the sixth year of the Jingtai reign. The main structure, the Dacheng Hall, currently stands south-facing, three bays wide and four bays deep, covering an area of 307 square meters. The Dacheng Hall features a double-eaved hip roof with simple beams and wooden ornaments between the eaves, including ruyi brackets and elephant trunk brackets. The main bay spans eight meters, connected by mortise and tenon joints. Inside the hall, various stone column bases, including drum-mirror and shoe-basin styles, are carved with lotus patterns, dragon patterns, and ruyi cloud motifs. A platform stands in front of the hall, and between the two steps stands a large, stone-carved coiled dragon, vividly shaped with distinct scales and claws.
The Yong'an Confucian Temple, first built in 1455, the sixth year of the Jingtai reign of the Ming Dynasty, served as a sacred place for the worship of Confucius for over 400 years before the Qing Dynasty. It was also the county's only official Confucian institution. In the early years of the Republic of China, Yong'an County's first modern-style public education school was established here. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Provincial Government Office and the Yong'an Provincial Normal School were successively established here. From the founding of the People's Republic of China until the early 1970s, the Confucian Temple served as the seat of the Yong'an Special Administrative Office and the Yong'an County People's Government.
According to the Yong'an County Chronicles, the Confucian Temple was rebuilt seven times between the eighth year of the Chenghua reign of the Ming Dynasty (1472) and the fifty-eighth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1719). The Yong'an Confucian Temple (Dacheng Hall), with its 550-year history, has survived many vicissitudes and remains the only Ming Dynasty building in the city to have witnessed the entire historical development of Yong'an.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The Yong'an Confucian Temple has restored the statue of Confucius and the statues of the twelve philosophers in the Dacheng Hall, six plaques including "Teacher of All Ages" written by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, which had been lost for nearly three hundred years, and three couplets written by Emperors Yongzheng and Qianlong, and has also installed bronze tripods, bronze chimes, stone incense and other ritual and musical instruments for offering sacrifices to Confucius.
It is recommended to play for 2 hours
10 yuan/person
8:30-17:00
The Yong'an Confucian Temple is dedicated to Confucius, the philosopher and teacher whose thoughts have greatly influenced Chinese culture. The temple reflects the significance of Confucianism in Chinese society, particularly in the education and governance of ancient China.
The temple is located in Yong'an City, Fujian Province, about 20 kilometers south of Sanming. It is accessible by taxi or local buses from the city center. The nearest bus stop is a short walk from the entrance.
The temple is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays to avoid crowds. Festivals related to Confucius, especially during the spring and autumn, offer unique cultural experiences.
The entrance fee is typically 20 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Online booking options are not typically available for this site.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, though booking during peak tourist seasons or festivals is recommended to avoid long queues.
Visiting the temple typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours. If you want to explore the surrounding grounds and participate in any cultural activities, plan for 2 hours.
The main hall, featuring a statue of Confucius, is the key highlight. Also, take a walk around the peaceful courtyards and gardens, where you can see traditional Chinese architecture and carvings that reflect Confucian teachings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available, but it's best to check in advance at the entrance.
The best photography spots are around the main hall and in the tranquil courtyards, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the light creates dramatic shadows on the ancient structures.
Start by entering the main hall to admire the Confucius statue and inscriptions. Then, walk through the courtyards and surrounding gardens, stopping to enjoy the architecture and serene atmosphere before finishing at the temple's cultural exhibit area.
Night visits and light shows are not available at this temple. However, during Confucius-related festivals, special ceremonies and performances may be held in the evening.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are toilets available on-site, and a small gift shop selling souvenirs and local crafts. No restaurants or cafes are available inside, but there are food options outside the temple.
The temple is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some of the temple's courtyards have uneven paths. Disabled access is somewhat limited, but the main areas are generally accessible by wheelchair with some assistance.
Cash is accepted, though mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted on-site.
There are no restaurants inside the temple, but several local eateries are located nearby, serving traditional Fujian dishes like seafood and noodles.
Vegetarian options are available in some of the nearby restaurants, but halal food is less common in this region.
There are several hotels in Yong'an city, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels. Options include the Yong'an Hotel and local guesthouses close to the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Yong'an National Forest Park and the Baita Mountain Scenic Area. These can easily be visited on the same day as the temple.
Yes, there is a small souvenir shop selling traditional Chinese crafts, calligraphy works, and Confucian-themed memorabilia like statues and plaques.
After visiting, taxis or local buses are available to continue your trip to nearby attractions. You can also rent a car for a more flexible journey around the region.
