The Temple of Confucius in Qufu (曲阜孔庙), also known as the Qufu Confucius Temple or Qufu Kong Miao, is a historical complex dedicated to the revered Chinese philosopher and educator, Confucius. Originally established in 478 BC during the reign of Duke Ai of the State of Lu, it was built on the site of Confucius’ former residence. Over centuries, successive emperors bestowed Confucius with various posthumous titles, leading to the expansion of the temple complex into the largest of its kind nationwide.
The current layout of the Temple of Confucius spans 327 acres with a rectangular plan covering 140,000 square meters. It is organized along a north-south axis with symmetrical arrangements on either side, featuring nine main courtyards. The complex includes 464 rooms, encompassing halls, pavilions, and ceremonial gateways. Enclosed by red walls with corner towers, it forms part of the “Three Confucian Sites” along with the nearby Kong Family Mansion and the Kong Forest to the north of the city.
Architecturally significant, the Temple of Confucius is often cited alongside Beijing’s Forbidden City and Chengde’s Summer Palace as one of China’s three great ancient architectural complexes. It is also recognized, along with Nanjing Confucius Temple, Beijing Confucius Temple, and Jilin Confucius Temple, as one of China’s four great Confucian temples.
Throughout its history, the Temple of Confucius has served not only as a center of Confucian worship but also as a hub for scholarly activities and cultural exchanges, reflecting its profound influence on Chinese society and philosophy. Today, it stands as a testament to Confucius’ enduring legacy and continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to pay homage and explore its rich cultural heritage.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qufu Confucius Temple
- History of Qufu Confucius Temple
- Significance of Qufu Confucius Temple
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Confucius Temple: 80 RMB Combinted Ticket for the Three Sites: 140 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 16.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0537-4712172 0086-0537-3709609 |
Location and Transportation
The Confucius Temple is located at 17 Nanmadao West Street, adjacent to the west side of the Drum Tower, approximately 300 meters west of the city center in Qufu, Shandong Province. To get there, you can take bus Qufu 5, Qufu 6, Qufu 7, Qufu K01, Qufu 10, Qufu 11, Qufu 12, Qufu 13, Qufu 25, Qufu 26, Qufu 27, Qufu 28, Qufu 29, Qufu 2, Qufu 36, Qufu 39, Qufu 3, or Qufu 45 and get off at Confucius Temple South Gate Stop (孔庙南门站).
Highlights of Qufu Confucius Temple
Dacheng Hall (大成殿)
The Dacheng Hall is the most prominent and central building in the Confucius Temple. It stands as the main venue for Confucian rituals and ceremonies and is renowned for its impressive architecture and symbolic grandeur.
Architectural Features: Dacheng Hall is an expansive structure measuring 54 meters in length, 34 meters in depth, and 32 meters in height. It features a grand nine-bay facade with five bays deep, adorned with a richly decorated and intricately designed roof with nine ridges and yellow glazed tiles. The hall is supported by 28 stone pillars, each standing 5.98 meters tall and 0.81 meters in diameter. These pillars are intricately carved with cloud and dragon patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.
Decorative Elements: The hall’s exterior is adorned with detailed carvings of dragons swirling amid clouds, which are meticulously executed. The front eaves display ten columns each with deep-relief carvings of cloud dragons, where two dragons elegantly ascend and intertwine, creating a mesmerizing effect. Inside, the hall features large plaques inscribed with Confucian phrases, including “Wan Shi Shi Biao” (万世师表), which means “Teacher for Ten Thousand Generations.” These plaques and the three couplets on the pillars were inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.
Main Altar: At the center of Dacheng Hall stands a statue of Confucius, flanked by figures of his 72 disciples and notable Confucian sages. The hall’s vast space is also supported by a massive stone platform known as the Xumi Platform, which is 2 meters high and covers 1,836 square meters. The platform and the spacious front terrace were used for grand Confucian ceremonies, including the traditional “Eight-Row Dance” (八佾舞).
Lingxing Gate (棂星门)
The Lingxing Gate serves as the main entrance to the Confucius Temple and is one of the most symbolic structures in the entire complex. Built during the Qing Dynasty in 1754, the gate was named after Lingxing, the “Literary Star” in ancient Chinese astronomy, symbolizing the emergence of talented scholars in the country. This gate’s design reflects the high honor of Confucian worship, likened to the grand ceremonies for heaven.
The gate features a traditional six-bay, four-column structure made of iron and stone. The pillars are crowned with stone statues of four celestial generals, who stand as guardians of the gate. These imposing figures add a sense of grandeur and solemnity to the entrance. Beneath the pillars, stone drums add to the gate’s stability and solemn architectural style.
Shengshi Gate (圣时门)
The Shengshi Gate, also known as the Gate of the Divine Moment, serves as a symbolic entrance to the Confucius Temple, resembling a city gate with three archways. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it features intricate flying eaves, dougong brackets, and a roof adorned with green glazed tiles. At the front stands the Taihe Yuanqi (太和元气) Archway, crafted from white marble, symbolizing Confucius’ universal influence akin to heaven and earth. Flanking the gate are two wooden archways, each adorned with pavilions, four pillars, and dense dougong brackets intricately carved with stone lions and celestial beings, evoking a sense of ancient grandeur.
Kuiwen Pavilion (奎文阁)
Kuiwen Pavilion, located in the central part of the temple complex, serves as a repository for books and scriptures. Named after the Kui star, one of the twenty-eight constellations in Chinese astronomy associated with literary achievements, the pavilion was initially built in the Song Dynasty and extensively renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Its architecture is characterized by triple eaves, four layers of dougong brackets, and a spacious layout spanning seven bays in width and five bays in depth.
With a length of 30 meters, width of 17.62 meters, and a height of 23.35 meters, Kuiwen Pavilion is an impressive example of ancient Chinese architectural craftsmanship. Its interior houses two visible floors with an additional hidden layer, showcasing a unique structural design. The upper floors traditionally stored scriptures and calligraphic works bestowed by emperors across dynasties, managed by officials designated specifically for the task during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The hidden layer preserves ancient scripture boards, while the lower floor stores ceremonial items like incense and silk used during imperial rites honoring Confucius.
Apricot Altar (杏坛)
The Apricot Altar at Confucius Temple is traditionally believed to be where Confucius conducted his teachings. Located in the central courtyard in front of the Dacheng Hall, it was established in the second year of the Northern Song Dynasty (1024 AD). Surrounding the altar are apricot trees, from which it derives its name, symbolizing the historical setting of Confucius’ lectures. During the Jin Dynasty, a pavilion was erected atop the altar, and a stone stele inscribed with the characters “杏坛Apricot Altar” by the Song Dynasty scholar Dang Huaiying is prominently displayed. The altar was extensively renovated during the Ming Dynasty (1569 AD), maintaining its traditional architectural style with double eaves, yellow glazed tiles, and elaborate dougong brackets.
Forest of Steles (碑林)
The Forest of Steles within Confucius Temple houses over 1,000 stone steles dating from the Han Dynasty to the Republic of China era. These inscriptions record imperial decrees conferring titles and honors upon Confucius, as well as historical accounts of temple renovations and ceremonies. The steles are engraved in various scripts including seal script, clerical script, regular script, and running script, showcasing the evolution of Chinese calligraphy over centuries. Among the steles, 53 date back to the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republic of China periods, with inscriptions in Chinese characters as well as Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan scripts, making it one of China’s largest collections of its kind. Notable Han Dynasty steles include the historical account of Shi Chen, the Han Temple stele, the Ritual Implements stele, and several steles commemorating Confucius’ descendants and followers. The steles from various dynasties provide invaluable insights into Confucian rituals and historical events associated with the temple.
History of Qufu Confucius Temple
Pre-Qin Period: The Early Foundations
The origins of the Confucius Temple can be traced back to the second year after Confucius’ death, during the 42nd year of King Jing of Zhou (478 BC), which corresponds to the 17th year of Duke Ai of Lu. According to the Zhou Dynasty’s rituals, temples were designated for different classes of society: emperors had seven temples, feudal lords had five, high officials three, and scholars one. Confucius, having held the position of Grand Justice during his service in the state of Lu, was honored with a temple due to his significant contributions to philosophy and education. However, during his lifetime, he lived a humble scholar’s life, and the initial temple was established to memorialize him rather than for worship.
In the early years, the temple likely consisted of a modest structure, with three rooms serving as the basic form of the shrine. Its primary purpose was to preserve relics associated with Confucius, such as his clothing, carriage, and musical instruments, and to commemorate his teachings.
Han Dynasty: Imperial Patronage and Expansion
During the Han Dynasty, the Confucius Temple began to gain significant imperial attention. In November 195 BC, Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, made a pilgrimage to the temple and offered sacrifices to Confucius. This act marked the beginning of a series of imperial rites performed at the temple.
In 1 AD, Emperor Ping of Han posthumously honored Confucius with the title of “Baocheng Xuan Ni Gong.” By the Eastern Han period, emperors such as Liu Xiu (Emperor Guangwu) and others continued to visit and revere Confucius. In 153 AD, Emperor Huan issued an edict to repair the temple and appointed Kong He, a descendant of Confucius, as the temple guardian. Despite various renovations, the temple remained relatively simple throughout the Han Dynasty, facing periods of neglect and decay, especially towards the end of the Eastern Han period due to widespread turmoil.
Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties: Preservation Amidst Turmoil
The Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties were marked by significant socio-political upheaval, yet Confucius’ legacy was largely preserved. Emperor Wen of Wei ordered the restoration of the temple in the early 3rd century, ensuring its continued maintenance and safeguarding. The Jin Dynasty saw the temple suffer from invasions and destruction, but subsequent rulers, such as Emperor Xiaojing of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, undertook extensive repairs and the first ever major restoration in 539 AD.
During the Tang Dynasty, Confucius’ temple experienced substantial developments. In 581 AD, Emperor Wen of Sui honored Confucius with the title “Xianshi Nifu” (Great Teacher and Ancestor). Tang Taizong’s reign in the 7th century saw the temple’s expansion and refurbishment, including the construction of new halls and the establishment of a more formal layout.
Song Dynasty: Flourishing and Formalization
The Song Dynasty was a golden era for Confucianism and the Confucius Temple. In 960 AD, Emperor Taizu of Song made a pilgrimage to Qufu and issued an edict for the temple’s repair and expansion. The Song Dynasty saw the temple’s layout become more elaborate, with the creation of the ceremonial apricot altar and the enhancement of the temple’s architectural features.
In 1018 AD, Emperor Zhenzong of Song honored Confucius as “Xuansheng Wencheng Wang” (Mystic Sage and Cultured King), and the following year saw the implementation of new ceremonial standards. By 1021 AD, Kong Daofu, the 45th-generation descendant of Confucius, oversaw major renovations that included expanding the temple’s courtyards and constructing new halls, such as the Five Sages Hall.
The temple continued to receive imperial attention throughout the Song Dynasty, with frequent renovations and the establishment of new ritual practices.
Jin and Yuan Dynasties: Rebuilding and Expansion
During the Jin Dynasty, the temple faced destruction due to military conflicts. However, recognizing the importance of Confucian ideals, the Jin rulers initiated repairs and expansions. In 1127 AD, after conquering the Central Plains, Jin Taizong ordered repairs and reinvested in the Confucius Temple, marking the beginning of an era of increased support for Confucianism.
In the Yuan Dynasty, the temple underwent significant transformations under the reign of Kublai Khan. In 1267 AD, Kong Zhi, a 53rd-generation descendant of Confucius, led repairs that incorporated elements of imperial palace architecture, reflecting the temple’s elevated status. The temple’s layout was redefined, with new walls and gates constructed to symbolize its importance.
Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Height of Grandeur
The Ming Dynasty was a period of great prosperity for the Confucius Temple. During the reign of the Hongzhi Emperor (1488-1505 AD), extensive repairs were undertaken following a devastating lightning strike in 1499 AD. This restoration effort was monumental, taking five years and costing a significant sum. The temple was expanded to its most magnificent scale, featuring intricate architectural designs and a comprehensive layout of courtyards, halls, and pavilions.
The Qing Dynasty continued to uphold and enhance the temple’s grandeur. Over 14 major renovations occurred, with the Yongzheng Emperor in 1724 AD overseeing repairs after another lightning strike. This restoration was meticulous, with careful attention to the preservation of ritual artifacts and the enhancement of architectural features.
Modern Era: Preservation and Revival
Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Confucian rituals were largely discontinued. However, the 1950s saw a renewed focus on preserving the temple’s historical and cultural heritage. In 1957, the Shandong Provincial Government designated the Confucius Temple as a cultural heritage site, and in 1959, it was opened to the public.
Despite facing severe damage during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), efforts to restore the temple began in 1970, leading to significant repairs of the Dacheng Hall, the Apricot Altar, and other structures. Since 1984, Confucian ceremonies have been revived, and the temple has become a major cultural and historical site, drawing visitors and scholars from around the world.
In 1984, the Confucius Temple was listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and it continues to be an important site for the study of Confucian philosophy and the history of Chinese culture.
Significance of Qufu Confucius Temple
Political Significance
The Confucius Temple in Qufu stands as a pivotal site in the political history of China. Originally constructed as a family shrine by Confucius’s disciples, the temple grew to symbolize the consolidation of Confucianism as the state ideology. During the Han Dynasty, the idea of “suppressing the Hundred Schools of Thought and elevating Confucianism” was promoted by Dong Zhongshu, which led to Confucianism being enshrined as the official state philosophy. The Confucius Temple, therefore, became a formal venue for the annual Confucian sacrificial rites which were crucial for maintaining the moral and political order in the empire.
Throughout Chinese history, the Confucius Temple played a central role in the political ceremonies of the state. For example, during the Tang and Song Dynasties, emperors established national rites at the temple to honor Confucius, reflecting the temple’s role as a symbol of political legitimacy and moral governance. The rituals performed at the temple, including sacrifices and offerings, were integral to statecraft, reinforcing the Confucian principles of hierarchical relationships and ethical governance. The Grand Ceremony at the Dacheng Hall, with its vast ceremonial space, reflects the grandeur of these state-sponsored rites, which were designed to express the ruler’s respect for Confucian values and to emphasize the connection between the divine and the earthly realms of authority.
Educational Significance
The Confucius Temple also serves as a symbol of the educational and cultural ideals espoused by Confucius. Historically, the temple was not only a place of worship but also a center for the dissemination of Confucian teachings. The integration of the temple and educational institutions, known as the “temple-school system,” allowed for the formal instruction of Confucian classics and rituals. This system was a significant aspect of the educational structure in ancient China, where students learned the Confucian virtues of propriety, righteousness, and integrity alongside their academic studies.
The temple’s educational role was formalized during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, who mandated that local schools across the empire include Confucian sacrificial rites. The practice continued through subsequent dynasties, such as the Tang Dynasty, which established Confucian temples as centers of learning, where scholars could engage with the Confucian canon and prepare for the imperial examinations. The Confucius Temple in Qufu thus became a place where students not only engaged in religious observances but also received the moral and philosophical instruction that underpinned the imperial examination system.
Cultural Heritage
The Confucius Temple in Qufu is a monument to the cultural evolution of Confucian thought and practice. The temple’s development over time mirrors the broader acceptance and institutionalization of Confucian philosophy throughout Chinese history. From its origins as a modest family shrine to its expansion into a grand state temple, the Confucius Temple reflects the evolving role of Confucianism as both a personal and state religion.
Starting from the Western Han Dynasty, the temple’s significance grew as Confucian ideals became embedded in the state’s ideological framework. The construction of Confucian temples across the country during the Tang, Song, and Ming Dynasties illustrates the enduring influence of Confucian thought on Chinese culture. The temple’s architecture, including the majestic Dacheng Hall and the serene Confucius Forest, embodies traditional Chinese architectural principles and cultural aesthetics. The preservation of these structures serves as a tangible link to the past, offering insights into the cultural and historical significance of Confucianism.
The Confucius Temple’s role in cultural heritage is also evident in its influence on subsequent generations. The temple’s traditions and rituals, including the Confucian sacrificial ceremonies and the teaching of Confucian texts, have shaped Chinese cultural practices and intellectual life. The temple’s ongoing cultural significance is seen in its role as a venue for the Confucian Ceremony, which continues to attract scholars, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
Spiritual Legacy
The Confucius Temple also represents a rich spiritual legacy that extends beyond political and educational realms. The temple’s design and rituals embody the Confucian values of reverence, harmony, and respect for tradition. The rituals performed at the temple, such as the Confucian sacrificial rites, serve as expressions of devotion to Confucius and his teachings. These rites include music, dance, and offerings that celebrate Confucius’s life and legacy, creating a space where individuals can connect with the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Confucian thought.
The Confucian sacrificial rites performed at the temple incorporate elements of traditional Chinese music and dance, which are designed to honor Confucius and convey the values of “Ren” (benevolence), “He” (harmony), and “Li” (ritual propriety). The elaborate ceremonies, featuring traditional instruments such as the guzheng and the sheng, as well as the use of dance and poetry, provide a window into the spiritual and cultural practices associated with Confucian worship.