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Located in Jianshui County, in the northwest of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the Jianshui Confucian Temple is one of the largest Confucian temples in China. Construction began in 1285 AD, making it the third oldest temple established in Yunnan Province, after those in Zhongqing (Kunming) and Dali. Expanded during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it now covers an area of 114 mu (approximately 16 acres). Its overall layout, symmetrical along the central axis, is modeled after the Confucian Temple in Qufu. It comprises one main hall, two verandas, two main halls, two pavilions, five ancestral halls, and eight courtyards, forming a grand architectural complex.
Entering the main gate, you'll find the solemn "Taihe Yuanqi" archway. Facing you is the 20-acre "Sea of Learning" (Panchi), where ripples of emerald waters and swaying willow branches frame the pond. The Siyue Pavilion stands in the center, with the "Li Gate" and "Yi Road" to the left and right. Entering Lingxing Gate, you'll find the Dacheng Gate, the East and West Verandas, the Dacheng Hall, the Chongsheng Ci (Chongsheng Ci), the Minglun Hall, and the Zunjing Pavilion.
The Dacheng Hall, built during the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty, is supported by 28 pillars. Twelve of the front eaves are stone pillars, each 5 meters tall and weighing 5,000 kilograms, carved from a single block of bluestone. The two pillars to the left and right of the main gate feature entwined dragons, known as "stone dragons embracing the pillars." The 22 lattice doors on the front are decorated with carvings of birds and animals in various forms. The glass-tiled roof is dazzling. Surrounded by dense stands of ancient cypresses, the temple exudes a solemn and majestic aura, earning it the reputation of "the most magnificent temple in Yunnan." Its scale is second only to the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong Province, and it is a key cultural relic protection site in Yunnan Province.
Honghe Prefecture has a subtropical monsoon climate; its rainy season is concentrated from May to October, with frost season lasting from late November to January or February. Therefore, travel to Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture should avoid the summer and autumn periods, when both rain and heat occur simultaneously. The best times to visit are March to April and September to November, when the sunshine is mild and rainfall is light.
Dacheng Hall, Chongshengci, Minglun Hall, Zunjing Pavilion, etc.
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Combination ticket for Confucian Temple, Zhu Family Garden and Swallow Cave: 133 yuan per person
Entrance fee to the Confucian Temple is RMB 60 per person
8:00-18:00
The Jianshui Confucian Temple is a prominent cultural and historical site in Yunnan. It was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and has been a center for Confucian worship and education for centuries. The temple played an important role in the spread of Confucian teachings in the region and remains a symbol of the deep respect for education and ethics in Chinese culture.
The Jianshui Confucian Temple is located in the town of Jianshui, Yunnan, about 5 kilometers from the city center. You can get there by taxi, or if you're coming from the city center, it's a short bus ride. Walking is also an option for those staying nearby.
The temple is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
The entrance fee to the Jianshui Confucian Temple is typically around 20-30 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. There are currently no options for buying tickets online.
No advance booking is required for the temple. You can purchase tickets on-site when you arrive.
You can fully explore the temple in about 1 to 2 hours. This will give you time to visit the main halls, courtyards, and any exhibits or cultural activities that may be ongoing.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available, but it’s recommended to check ahead of time if you prefer a tour in English.
Start by entering through the main gate, where you can view the architectural design. Then, explore the central courtyard and main halls, before heading to the gardens and smaller pavilions. Finally, take time to visit the cultural exhibits or any statues dedicated to Confucius and his disciples.
There are currently no night visits or light shows at the Jianshui Confucian Temple. However, special cultural events may be held during traditional Chinese festivals or holidays, so check for updates if you're visiting during those times.
The temple can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons.
The temple is accessible to elderly and children, though there are some steps and uneven surfaces in certain areas. Disabled visitors may find some parts of the temple difficult to navigate, as the terrain can be uneven.
Cash, mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Some smaller stalls may only accept cash, so it’s advisable to carry some local currency.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the temple. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can head to the city center of Jianshui, where more hotel options are available.
