Live Your Best Lives
At the Guide Confucian Temple, visitors can explore the serene and historically rich environment. The temple is perfect for learning about Confucian philosophy, as it features well-preserved architecture, ancient inscriptions, and tranquil gardens. Take time to wander through the courtyard, visit the halls dedicated to Confucius, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Photography and taking in the beautiful surroundings is highly recommended.
The Guide Confucian Temple and Jade Emperor Pavilion is an ancient architectural complex that integrates Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. It includes six courtyards: the Confucian Temple, the Big Buddha Temple, the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Guanyu Temple, the City God Temple, the People's Education Center, as well as the Guide Ancient City and the Ancient Parade Ground.
The Guide Confucian Temple is the best-preserved temple in Qinghai Province. Its main buildings include the memorial archway, the Pan Pond, the Ji Gate, the Shrine of Local Worthies, the Shrine of Eminent Officials, the Dacheng Hall, and the Shrine of the Seventy-two Worthies. The first structure is a four-pillar, three-story memorial archway, which serves as a landmark.
Plateau continental climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours
60 yuan/person
9:00~17:00
The Guide Confucian Temple is an important cultural landmark dedicated to Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher and educator. It was established to honor Confucius’ teachings, which have greatly influenced Chinese society, ethics, and governance. The temple serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Confucian ideals, including respect for education, family, and moral values.
The Guide Confucian Temple is located in the town of Guide in Qinghai, Republic of China. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from the town center. It is recommended to use local transportation as it provides a scenic route through the area. Walking from nearby attractions is also an option for those who prefer a leisurely stroll.
The temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful environment. The temple is particularly serene and photogenic during sunrise and sunset.
The entrance fee is around 30 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Online booking is not typically available, but it's recommended to check for any special events or holidays that may require advanced booking.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance. However, during peak tourist seasons, such as national holidays or the Confucius birthday celebrations, it may be helpful to book tickets a few days ahead to ensure availability.
A typical visit lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend exploring the temple’s halls, gardens, and reading the inscriptions. If you enjoy photography and taking time to reflect in the peaceful surroundings, you might spend more time here.
Key highlights include the main hall where Confucius’ statue is enshrined, the tranquil courtyards, and the numerous stone tablets with Confucian inscriptions. The temple's architecture and gardens are also worth exploring for their historical and aesthetic value.
Guided tours are available at the temple, with most guides speaking Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in Mandarin, and occasionally in English, though availability might vary depending on the time of year.
The best photography spots are around the main hall and the tranquil garden areas. The stone tablets and inscriptions in the courtyards also make for great photo opportunities. If visiting in the morning or evening, the soft lighting provides perfect conditions for capturing the temple’s beauty.
Start at the main entrance and walk through the courtyards, stopping at the key halls and reading the Confucian inscriptions. Take your time in the peaceful gardens and end the visit at the central hall, where the statue of Confucius is displayed. This route will allow you to fully appreciate the historical and spiritual significance of the temple.
Currently, there are no special light shows or night visits available at the Guide Confucian Temple. The temple is a daytime attraction that is best explored during the day when the temple and gardens are fully visible.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and during Chinese public holidays. The least crowded times are typically on weekdays, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons.
Basic facilities like toilets, water stations, and rest areas are available within the temple grounds. There are no major food outlets inside the temple, but small snack shops or local food stalls can be found nearby. A souvenir shop is also available for visitors to purchase Confucian-themed items.
The temple is fairly accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may require walking on uneven paths. There may be some steps to navigate, so those with mobility issues should check for any accessibility assistance upon arrival.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also widely used and are the preferred method of payment for convenience.
There are no major restaurants within the temple itself. However, visitors can find local eateries in the surrounding area, serving traditional Chinese meals and snacks.
Vegetarian food options are available in the nearby area, though vegan and halal food may be limited. It is recommended to ask restaurant staff about specific dietary requirements before ordering.
There are several hotels near the Guide Confucian Temple, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors may need to travel a short distance to the city center of Qinghai.
Nearby attractions include the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the area, as well as the famous Qinghai Lake. These sites are easy to combine into a day trip from the Guide Confucian Temple.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop at the temple selling Confucian-themed items, such as calligraphy scrolls, jade figurines, and traditional Chinese arts and crafts.
After visiting the temple, taxis and local buses are the best transportation options to continue your trip to other nearby attractions. Private car services may also be an option for more convenient travel.
