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Explore the peaceful and historic grounds of the Fengqing Confucian Temple, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, admire the architecture, and reflect on the historical significance of Confucianism. You can also participate in local cultural activities and rituals.
Located in Fengqing County, Yunnan Province, the Fengqing Confucian Temple in Lincang, Yunnan Province, is a monument dedicated to Confucius, a pioneer of traditional Chinese culture and the founder of Confucianism. Spanning approximately 12,000 square meters, the temple comprises the Mingfeng Pavilion, Chongsheng Hall, Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate, and Dragon Gate. Its well-planned layout and exquisite craftsmanship make it a high-level architectural masterpiece and a valuable historical study. It stands as a testament to the historical and cultural development of Fengqing. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection site and the second-largest extant Confucian temple in Yunnan Province.
Fengqing Confucian Temple was first built in the 34th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1606) at the eastern foot of Hushan Mountain in the south of the city (now the site of Fengqing No. 1 Middle School). It was relocated twice in the 8th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1669) and the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1873) and was renovated many times. It is a temple where Confucius was worshipped by successive feudal dynasties in my country, and it is also the place where dignitaries and scholars of the county worshipped Confucius.
The Fengqing Confucian Temple comprises the main buildings, the Pan Pond, the Jinshengyuzhen Archway, the Lingxing Gate, the Dacheng Gate, the two wings, the Dacheng Hall, the Chongsheng Shrine, and the Kuixing Pavilion. It is a grand ancient architectural complex with oriental architectural features, arranged symmetrically along its central axis and ascending in steps. The complex boasts a well-planned layout and exquisite craftsmanship, possessing high artistic standards and historical value. It bears witness to the cultural development of Fengqing and is a renowned historical site.
The subtropical low-latitude mountain monsoon climate has a small temperature difference between the four seasons, distinct dry and wet seasons, and significant vertical changes. There is no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Panchi: Panshui is the moat outside the imperial palace. Panshuichi is a metaphor for Confucius's emperor-like dignity.
Jinshengyuzhen Archway (commonly known as Longmen): Built in the 28th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, Jinshengyuzhen Archway features four stone pillars each depicting a primitively carved monster, "Bitianxie," commonly known as "Chaotianhou." The archway's plaques on either side feature shallow carvings of cloud dragons playing with pearls. The two east pillars are inscribed with "Hanshui" and "Qiuyang," while the two west pillars are inscribed with the eight characters "Jinsheng" and "Yuzhen." "Jinsheng" refers to an ancient musical instrument, and here, Confucius's thoughts are praised for their perfection, like a piece of music, with a beginning and an end.
Lingxing Gate: The Temple of Confucius designated Lingxing Gate as the first side gate, signifying respect for Confucius as if he were heaven. Lingxing Gate has four pillars and three doors, with stone and brick columns. The archway is carved with a flaming orb, and the main gate is inscribed with the three characters "Lingxing Gate" written by Emperor Qianlong.
Dacheng Gate: Dacheng Gate is the last gate of the Confucius Temple. "Dacheng" is Mencius' evaluation of Confucius. Mencius said: "Confucius is the one who has achieved the greatest success", praising Confucius for reaching the highest level of achieving the greatest success of ancient sages and wise men.
Dacheng Hall: Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the Confucius Temple and also the core of the temple. It is 16 meters high, 13 meters deep and 18.1 meters wide. The three golden characters "Dacheng Hall" were written by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. Dacheng Hall, Taihe Hall of the Forbidden City and Songtian Hall of Dai Temple are collectively known as the Three Great Halls of the East.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
free
09:00-17:00
The Fengqing Confucian Temple is dedicated to Confucius, the famous philosopher and teacher. It has long served as a place of learning, offering a space for Confucian rites and study. The temple is a symbol of cultural and educational traditions in the region.
The Fengqing Confucian Temple is located in Fengqing County, Lincang, Yunnan Province. It can be reached by taxi or private vehicle. Public transport options are available from the town center to the temple, though taxi or car hire is 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 in the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are particularly scenic.
The entrance fee is typically low, ranging from ¥10-¥30 depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance to the temple.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but it can be helpful during peak tourist seasons or festivals. Booking a day or two ahead is sufficient.
Plan for about 1-2 hours to fully explore the temple, including time for reflection and photography. If you wish to participate in cultural activities, allocate more time accordingly.
Key highlights include the main hall dedicated to Confucius, the ancient stone tablets, and the serene courtyard. The temple's architecture and tranquil surroundings are also worth admiring.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. While audio guides are not commonly provided, some local guides may offer informal explanations in English.
The best photography spots are near the main hall and the stone tablets, as well as the peaceful courtyards with traditional architectural elements. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photos.
Start by exploring the main hall, then move to the stone tablets and other areas around the temple. Take time to enjoy the peaceful gardens and courtyards, which provide a serene atmosphere for reflection.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at this temple. However, the temple’s tranquil ambiance makes it a lovely spot to visit during the day.
The temple can get busy on weekends and during public holidays. Weekdays, especially mornings, are the least crowded times to visit.
There are basic restroom facilities on-site, and small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. There are no major dining options, but nearby vendors offer local refreshments.
The temple is somewhat accessible for elderly and children, though there may be some uneven terrain. Disabled visitors may find it challenging to navigate certain areas due to the temple's traditional design.
Cash is commonly accepted, and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also widely used. Credit card payments may not be available.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly inside the temple, but there are small local eateries nearby offering regional dishes. You can also find food in the town of Fengqing.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants nearby, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It's best to ask at the restaurant for specific dietary preferences.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses in Fengqing town, which is a short drive from the temple. For a wider range of accommodations, you can travel to Lincang city.
Nearby attractions include the beautiful mountain ranges of Lincang and other Confucian sites in the region. Lincang's scenic spots and historical sites also make for a good combination on a day trip.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops near the temple selling items such as Confucian-themed crafts, local handicrafts, and religious statues. Typical souvenirs include postcards, incense, and small trinkets.
From Fengqing, you can take a taxi or bus to other attractions in Lincang or continue your journey by bus or private car. Renting a car for greater flexibility is a convenient option for exploring the region further.
