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The Da Kong Ancestral Hall, built by Kong Huaqing for his clansmen, is a relatively complete group of clan ancestral halls from the late Qing Dynasty in the Jianghuai region, boasting over 100 years of history. In the early 1980s, the hall was designated a municipal cultural relic protection unit by the Hefei Municipal Government, and in 2004, it was designated a provincial cultural relic protection unit.
The entire ancestral hall, facing south, is a brick and wood structure constructed with thick, heavy timber, creating a rustic and elegant appearance. The ancestral hall originally housed over 60 rooms, all typical of Qing Dynasty architecture, featuring blue brick, red walls, tiled roofs, carved beams and painted rafters, and a unique Suzhou-style oil painting scheme. Its layout features a clearly defined, symmetrical courtyard divided into a gatehouse, a library, the ancestral hall, and two side rooms. The library, constructed entirely of wood, stands approximately 30 meters tall, with three rooms on each upper and lower floors. Its majestic design resembles the Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong Province. This ancestral hall is a rare example of a richly northern architectural style in Hefei, imbued with historical, artistic, scientific, and commemorative value.
Unfortunately, due to its age and damage from war, the once-prominent Da Kong Ancestral Hall was used as a storage room, a grain depot, and an office space. Eventually, even the hall's iconic library collapsed. Beginning in late 2006, the Hefei municipal government invested over 2 million yuan to thoroughly renovate the remaining 700-plus square meters of the hall. This included the restoration of the Mountain Gate Hall's east and west side halls, the east wing hall, the west dormitory, and the entire ancestral wall and courtyard landscaping. After a year of restoration, the long-lost Da Kong Ancestral Hall finally reappeared before the public. Located in Xuetang Village, Dayu Township, Baohe District, the provincial capital, this ancestral hall is the only relatively well-preserved, largest, and highest-quality ancestral temple in Hefei. Furthermore, it boasts the highest-quality and highest-quality painted paintings of any existing ancient building in the area.
Subtropical monsoon climate; the completion of the Da Kong Ancestral Hall has greatly enhanced the cultural connotation of Dayu rural tourism, enriched tourism content, improved the tourism image, and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Gatehouse, library, ancestral hall;
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
free
8:00-18:00
The Confucius Ancestral Hall in Hefei, Anhui, is a historical and cultural site dedicated to the life and teachings of Confucius. The hall is part of the Confucian heritage, honoring the great philosopher who shaped Chinese thought and education. It is a place of worship and respect for Confucius and his descendants, preserving the traditions of Confucianism in modern times.
The Confucius Ancestral Hall is located in Hefei, Anhui. It can be easily reached by taxi or public bus from the city center, taking approximately 15-20 minutes by car. Walking is an option if you are nearby.
The hall is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends or public holidays.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance of the hall or online through booking platforms for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but recommended during peak tourist seasons or on public holidays. A 1-2 day advance booking is typically sufficient.
You will need about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the Confucius Ancestral Hall, especially if you take time to appreciate the exhibits and architectural details.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may also be available upon request, although it's advisable to check in advance.
The main hall and the surrounding courtyards offer the best photography spots. The architectural details and serene environment make it an excellent place for capturing cultural and historical photos.
Start by entering the main hall and paying respects to Confucius' statues. Then, explore the courtyards and gardens. Finally, take time to read the stone inscriptions and learn about Confucianism.
Night visits are not typically available. However, special cultural performances or ceremonies may be held during important Confucian holidays.
The hall can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as clean toilets and rest areas are available. There is a small souvenir shop that sells Confucian-themed merchandise.
The site is generally accessible for elderly and children, although some areas may be difficult for wheelchair users due to stairs and uneven paths.
Mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. It’s advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or if mobile payment options are not available.
There are several local restaurants offering traditional Anhui cuisine near the Confucius Ancestral Hall. For a wider variety, head to Hefei city center.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants, though vegan and halal food may be limited. Inquire with local eateries for specific dietary options.
The souvenir shop at the Confucius Ancestral Hall offers Confucian-themed items such as books, statues, and small souvenirs like bookmarks or scrolls.
