Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area

Introducing Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area

The Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt is located in Qinhuai District, Nanjing. With the Confucius Temple ancient building complex as its center, the Ten-Li Qinhuai River as its axis, and the Ming City Wall as its link, it connects numerous national key cultural relics protection units, as well as provincial and municipal cultural relics protection units. With Confucianism, imperial examination culture, and folk culture as its connotations, it integrates natural scenery, landscape gardens, temples and schools, street dwellings, local customs, food and shopping, science education, and festival culture. It is a gathering place for Nanjing's history and culture.

The Qinhuai River, the cradle of Nanjing's ancient civilization and the city's mother river, is renowned throughout history. Known as "the region of Six Dynasties smoke and moon, the gathering place of wealth and glittering glitterati," it flourished for ten generations, boasting "the most elaborate collection of cultural relics in Jiangnan, and the most brilliant and elegant literary talent in the country," earning it the title "China's First Famous Historical and Cultural River." The Confucius Temple, one of China's four great Confucian temples, was a hub of ancient Jiangnan culture and a focal point for the history and culture of Jinling. Not only was it the cultural and educational center of Nanjing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it also boasts the largest cultural and educational complex in Southeast China and the largest traditional ancient street market in China.

The Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Area is rich in history and culture. Confucius Temple snacks are ranked first among the four major snacks in China. The Confucius Temple Lantern Festival, held every year between the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, is one of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage lists and is also the most famous lantern festival in China. It attracts countless friends to enjoy the lanterns and spend the holidays together. It has a strong local flavor and cultural atmosphere.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Confucius Temple

It is a large-scale ancient building complex that has gone through vicissitudes of life and has been rebuilt and destroyed several times. It is a place for worshiping and offering sacrifices to Confucius. It is one of the four major Confucian temples in China. It is known as the Qinhuai scenic spot and has become a characteristic landscape area of ​​the ancient capital Nanjing. It is also a tourist destination famous both at home and abroad and the largest traditional ancient street market in China.

Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall

Also known as Nanjing Imperial Examination Hall, it is located in the southeast corner of Nanjing City, east of Nanjing Confucius Temple. It is part of the Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt and one of the three major ancient architectural complexes in the Confucius Temple area.

The Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall was first built in 1168 (the fourth year of the Qiandao reign of the Song Dynasty) and reached its peak during the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty. It contained 20,644 examination rooms alone, along with hundreds of ancillary buildings, covering over 300,000 square meters. Its scale and expanse made it the largest of all provincial examination halls in China, and the largest of any imperial examination hall in ancient China.

Wuyi Lane

Zhuque Bridge and the south bank of the Qinhuai River in Nanjing are among the oldest and most famous alleys in China. During the Three Kingdoms period, it housed the barracks of the Wu army garrisoning Shitou City. Wuyi Lane was the residential area of ​​the wealthy Wang and Xie families of the Jin Dynasty. The children of both families wore black robes to signify their status, hence the name. Wuyi Lane was a bustling place, attracting distinguished visitors and producing cultural giants such as Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Xie Lingyun, the founder of the landscape poetry school.

It is recommended to play for about 2 to 3 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area is an important cultural site in Nanjing, reflecting China's deep respect for Confucianism and its long-standing influence. The temple complex honors Confucius, the great philosopher, and the river has played a key role in Nanjing's development.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area is located in the heart of Nanjing. You can easily reach it by taking a metro to the Fuzimiao station or by bus/taxi. It's also within walking distance from other attractions in Nanjing.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The site is open year-round, typically from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and crowds are smaller.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to the Confucius Temple is generally free, though certain areas or activities like boat rides may have an additional fee. Tickets can be purchased at the site or online for specific events.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For general entry, no advance booking is required. However, it’s advisable to book boat rides or any special events a day in advance, especially during peak seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore the temple, take a boat ride, and wander around the surrounding markets. If you enjoy shopping or eating at local eateries, you may spend longer.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Key highlights include the Confucius Temple itself, the Qinhuai River, the ancient street markets, and the nearby Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. The area offers a blend of history, culture, and local life.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese and English. You can hire a guide on-site or rent an audio guide for a more immersive experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are along the Qinhuai River, especially during sunset, as well as the temples and the surrounding ancient streets. The boat ride offers great perspectives of the temple and the riverfront.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the Confucius Temple, then take a boat ride along the Qinhuai River, followed by a stroll through the bustling markets. You can also visit the nearby Nanjing Museum or the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, the area is beautifully lit up at night, and evening boat rides along the river are a popular activity. Special cultural performances may also be available in the evenings.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The area can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during off-peak seasons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are public restrooms, plenty of food stalls offering local snacks, and shops selling souvenirs and traditional crafts. There are also several cafes and restaurants for a more substantial meal.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is mostly accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, though the cobbled streets can be a bit challenging. There are plenty of benches for resting and accessible routes around the temple and markets.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, but cash may still be necessary at some street vendors. Credit cards are not commonly accepted at small stalls.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby restaurants include traditional Chinese eateries offering local Nanjing dishes like duck blood soup, as well as cafes serving lighter snacks and drinks along the river.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in many of the restaurants around the area. However, halal food may be limited; you may need to search for specialized restaurants in the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the Confucius Temple, including budget-friendly options as well as mid-range hotels. Popular choices include the Nanjing Fuzimiao Hotel and Sofitel Nanjing Galaxy.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Nanjing Museum, and Xuanwu Lake. All are within a short distance and can easily be included in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local crafts, traditional Chinese goods, and souvenirs related to Confucius and the Qinhuai River. Popular items include calligraphy sets, traditional clothing, and local snacks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Public transport options like buses and taxis are readily available. If you're continuing your trip around Nanjing, consider taking a taxi to nearby attractions or using the metro to get around the city.