Live Your Best Lives
Located on Guozijian Street (formerly Chengxian Street) inside Andingmen in Beijing, the Imperial College, adjacent to the Temple of Confucius and the Lama Temple, served as the highest administrative body for education and the highest institution of learning established by the state during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Temple of Confucius, part of the Imperial College, formerly known as the Imperial College Confucius Temple or the Imperial College Confucius Temple, served as the venue for the emperor's state ceremonies to worship Confucius. Together with the Imperial College, it formed a "temple on the left, school on the right" system.
The Imperial College's Jixian Gate, Taixue Gate, and glazed memorial archway are distinctive buildings, particularly the vibrantly colored memorial archway, a landmark of the institution. The Biyong Hall, the main structure of the institution, is unique for its square center, surrounded by a circular pool. The adjacent Yilun Hall was once where ancient emperors lectured. The institution also features permanent exhibitions such as the "Ancient Chinese Imperial Examination Exhibition" and the "Exhibition of the Imperial College in its Original State," both of which are worth a visit.
Temperate monsoon climate;
Best in Spring and Autumn
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
Ordinary ticket: 30 yuan;
Half-price ticket: College and technical school students can purchase half-price ticket with their vouchers;
Free of charge: Children under 1.2 meters in height, primary and secondary school students, active-duty soldiers, veteran cadres, and people with disabilities are exempt from the charge with valid ID.
May 1st - October 31st: 08:30-18:00 (peak season); ticket sales end at 17:00
November 1st - April 30th: 08:30-17:00 (off-season); ticket sales end at 16:30
The Imperial College in Beijing, also known as Taixue, is the ancient educational institution where scholars were trained in Confucian classics and Chinese literature. It was founded in the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the oldest and most influential educational sites in China. It symbolizes the long history of Chinese intellectual tradition and has played a key role in shaping the country’s education system.
The Imperial College is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, near the Confucius Temple. The nearest metro station is Yonghegong Lama Temple (Line 2). It is also accessible by taxi, or you can walk from nearby attractions like the Lama Temple or Confucius Temple.
The Imperial College is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid the crowd. It’s especially quiet and picturesque in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild.
The entrance fee is around 20 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It's recommended to buy tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons via local booking platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during busy seasons (spring and autumn). You can typically book tickets a few days in advance via various Chinese booking platforms.
It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the Imperial College, including the museum, gardens, and surrounding areas. If you want to fully immerse in the history and architecture, you might need about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English. Audio guides are also offered for a self-guided experience, with language options including English.
Start by visiting the Imperial College Museum, then take a walk through the college's gardens. Afterward, explore the historical buildings and finish by strolling around the peaceful courtyards.
Night visits are not typically available, but the college is open during the day. There are no regular light shows, though the atmosphere around the college during sunset can be quite magical.
The Imperial College can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. The best time to visit is early in the morning on weekdays, particularly in the off-peak seasons like winter or late autumn.
There are public toilets available on-site, and several food stalls and cafes are located near the entrance. Water fountains are available throughout the campus. Rest areas are located in the gardens for a quiet break.
The Imperial College is mostly accessible to elderly and children, with paved pathways throughout the campus. However, some of the older buildings might have stairs, and accessibility for disabled visitors might be limited in certain areas.
Both cash and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Cards are also widely accepted for ticket purchases and at shops within the complex.
There are several local eateries around the Imperial College area offering traditional Beijing snacks, such as jianbing and baozi. Additionally, there are small cafes around the Lama Temple area, which is a short walk away.
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan-friendly options in local restaurants. Halal food options are also available in nearby Muslim-owned restaurants around the Lama Temple area.
There are souvenir shops near the Lama Temple and around the college offering traditional Chinese crafts, including calligraphy, silk products, and small statues of Confucius.
The best way to continue your trip after visiting is by taking the metro from Yonghegong Station (Line 2) or taxis that are readily available outside the Imperial College area. Buses also connect to other parts of Beijing.
