#chinatravel Great choice! The

#chinatravel
Great choice! The **Tainan Confucius Temple (台南孔庙)** is a must-visit historic and cultural landmark in Tainan, Taiwan. Built in **1665** during the Ming Dynasty, it’s the **oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan** and is often called the "First Academy of Taiwan" because it once served as the island’s highest educational institution.

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### **Highlights of Tainan Confucius Temple**
1. **Dacheng Hall (大成殿)** – The main hall, dedicated to Confucius, features an ancient **"First Teacher" plaque** and traditional ceremonial instruments.
2. **Pan Pond (泮池)** – A semicircular pond symbolizing Confucian learning (students who passed exams would cross it).
3. **Minglun Hall (明伦堂)** – Originally a lecture hall, now displaying Confucian classics and artifacts.
4. **Old Trees & Stone Tablets** – The temple grounds have centuries-old banyan trees and historic inscriptions.
5. **Annual Confucius Ceremony (September 28)** – Witness a grand **ritual dance and music performance** honoring Confucius’ birthday.

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### **Visitor Information**
📍 **Address**: No. 2, Nanmen Rd, West Central District, Tainan
⏰ **Opening Hours**:
- **Temple Grounds**: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (Daily)
- **Minglun Hall**: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
🎟️ **Entrance Fee**:
- **Temple Grounds**: Free
- **Minglun Hall**: NT$25

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### **Nearby Attractions**
- **Hayashi Department Store (林百貨)** – A historic 1930s shopping building.
- **Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓)** – A Dutch-era fort with rich history.
- **Shennong Street (神農街)** – A charming old street with cafes and art shops.

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### **How to Get There**
- **By Train**: From Tainan Station, it’s a **15-min walk** or short taxi ride.
- **By Bus**: Take bus #2, #5, or #88 to "Confucius Temple" stop.