Beijing - Confucius Temple Kong Miao
Immediately to the west of the Lama Temple, in a side alley spanned by ornamental gates, you get to the Confucius Temple. It was built in 1302 and restored in 1411. The great philosopher and teacher Confucius had a decisive influence on Chinese philosophy; his teachings dominated public and private life throughout centuries. This temple is one of the best known Confucius temples.
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Elaborate ceremonies to honor Confucius used to take place here in the 2nd and 8th months of the Chinese calendar, always before dawn break, under the leadership of the emperor or his deputy. The forecourt harbors 198 steles with inscriptions naming all 51,624 Confucian scholars who after 1416 successfully passed the highest examinations of the state until these were abolished in 1904.
Related Attractions
Hall of Achievements
Hall of Great Achievements (Dacheng Dian) The main hall of the temple accommodates the shrines with the soul plaques of Confucius, his students and other Confucian philosophers. It also holds musical instruments and other ritual items that are used in the celebrations which take place on the large terrace in front of the hall. The side-halls hold an exhibition of Beijing's town history. In the far west of the complex are 198 steles which have been engraved with the complete text of the Confucian canon in the year 1794.
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