The most exquisite Confucius Temple in China is actually a less-visited attraction

Located in Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, the Anshun Confucius Temple was built in the early years of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty. Perhaps the fame of the Huangguoshu Waterfall in Anshun has overshadowed its glory, so there are very few tourists visiting there. We went there at noon, and we arrived smoothly following the navigation. Later we found out that Anshun Old Street was just next door, but it was a pity that it was a bit hot at noon, so we didn't go for a walk.

The entrance fee is 10 yuan per person. Like most scenic spots, there are free and half-price discounts for the elderly, children, and students. Unfortunately, due to the lack of tourists, there is no explanation service in the scenic area.

The Confucius Temple is a four-entry courtyard designed symmetrically along the central axis. The terrain rises step by step. The first entry is divided into upper and lower courtyards, with a screen wall and a foreign pool. The second entry is the Lingxing Gate, implying that Confucius is the incarnation of the Wenqu star, with the stories of Confucian classics engraved on it. The third entry is the Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall. The most exquisite stone carvings are in the third courtyard. The fourth entry has been destroyed.

Both the Dacheng Gate and the Dacheng Hall have two stone-carved dragon pillars in front of their doors. The two pillars at the entrance of the Dacheng Hall are the most exquisite. The stone pillars are carved out of a whole piece of stone, 5 meters high and 0.8 meters in diameter. They are based on lions, with a round exterior and a square interior, a hollow exterior and a solid interior. They are indeed exquisite and unparalleled dragon and auspicious cloud stone carvings.

Post by DOMINIC FOWLER | Feb 6, 2024