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Visit the historical temple to learn about Confucian philosophy, explore the tranquil courtyards, admire the ancient inscriptions and statues, and attend cultural performances or exhibitions showcasing Confucianism. Take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere and reflect on Confucius' teachings.
The Beijing Confucius Temple, also known as the "Temple of the First Teacher," is located on the renowned Guozijian Street in Dongcheng District, adjacent to the Imperial College. It was the site of Confucius' veneration during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Revered by successive imperial families, the temple holds a high status and has undergone numerous renovations. In terms of scale and status, it is the second largest Confucian temple in China, second only to the Confucius Temple in Qufu. The buildings along its central axis, from south to north, are Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Gate, and Chongsheng Shrine. Despite successive renovations, some buildings retain their Yuan Dynasty style.
The entire Confucius Temple complex boasts an antique atmosphere and a simple, elegant environment. The main entrance, the "Xianshi Gate," features a large, bracketed, hip-and-gable roof, a rare sight in Beijing. Throughout the courtyards, numerous stone tablets and pavilions bear inscriptions by Yuan Chonghuan, Lin Zexu, Li Hongzhang, and others. You can also enjoy a performance of traditional ritual music, "Dacheng Ritual and Music," creating a rich and engaging atmosphere of Chinese studies.
The northern temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall in summer and low temperatures and little rainfall in winter.
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
30 yuan. Currently, the Confucius Temple and the adjacent Imperial College are open to the public as the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum, and tickets are sold at the same price.
Peak season (May-October): 8:30-18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:00);
Off-season (November-April of the following year): 8:30-17:00 (ticket sales stop at 16:30); closed on Mondays.
The Beijing Confucius Temple was established in 1302 during the Yuan Dynasty as a place to honor Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher. It served as a site for imperial examinations and is one of the most important Confucian temples in China. It symbolizes the importance of Confucianism in Chinese culture and education.
The Beijing Confucius Temple is located in the Dongcheng District. You can take Metro Line 5 to Yonghegong Station (Lama Temple), then walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi directly to the temple.
The temple is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and holidays when it can get busier.
The entrance fee is around ¥30 for adults. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or through online platforms for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or holidays. A day or two ahead is sufficient for online bookings.
You will need around 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the temple, allowing time to wander through the courtyards, read the inscriptions, and learn about Confucian history.
The must-see highlights include the main hall dedicated to Confucius, the stele forest with ancient stone tablets, and the beautiful courtyards. Don't miss the statue of Confucius and the inscription of his teachings.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and English. Audio guides in various languages, including English, are also available for rent at the entrance.
The best photography spots include the main hall, the tranquil courtyards with traditional architecture, and the stone tablet forest. Early morning or late afternoon light provides great photo opportunities.
Start at the entrance, explore the main hall where Confucius is honored, then walk through the peaceful courtyards and past the stele forest. Take your time to admire the architecture and inscriptions before exiting through the rear gate.
Night visits or light shows are not available, but the temple is beautifully lit in the evenings. Special cultural exhibitions and performances related to Confucianism are occasionally held, so check for updates.
The temple can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during festivals. Weekdays, particularly in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
The temple has public toilets and rest areas. There are no full-service restaurants inside, but there are small kiosks selling snacks and water. Souvenir shops are also available near the entrance.
The temple is relatively accessible, with ramps available in most areas for visitors with mobility challenges. However, some areas, especially the stone tablet forest, may have uneven paths that are less accessible for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit cards are accepted for ticket purchases and in shops. Cash is still accepted but is becoming less common.
There are no restaurants inside the temple, but nearby areas such as Yonghegong (Lama Temple) and the surrounding streets offer various dining options, including traditional Chinese food and international cuisines.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available in nearby restaurants, especially around the Lama Temple area. Halal food options are also available in specific Muslim restaurants nearby.
Nearby hotels include the Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel, The Orchid Hotel Beijing, and several budget accommodations near Yonghegong Station. These hotels offer easy access to the temple and other nearby attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Lama Temple, the Temple of Heaven, and the Beihai Park. These can be easily combined into a day trip, as they are all within a short distance from each other by metro or taxi.
There are souvenir shops selling Confucian-related items such as books, artwork, and traditional Chinese crafts. Common souvenirs include calligraphy items, Confucius statues, and tea sets.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or walk to the nearby Yonghegong Subway Station for easy access to other parts of Beijing. Metro Lines 2 and 5 connect to popular destinations like the Forbidden City and Wangfujing.
