The cultural attractions of the Confucian Temple and the Imperial Academy Museum in Beijing are rich and have a profound historical background. The following are some of the main cultural attractions:
The main building complex of the Confucian Temple:
The Gate of the Sage: It is the main gate of the Confucian Temple, featuring a large dougong hip-and-gable roof and a distinct architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty.
The Great Success Gate: It is the gateway to the main hall area of the Confucian Temple, with a solemn and elegant architectural style.
The Great Success Hall: As the core building of the Confucian Temple, it is the main place for paying homage to Confucius and his disciples. Its layout is the same as that of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. Inside the hall, the altar of Confucius is enshrined, highlighting his lofty status.
Chongsheng Shrine: Located in the back courtyard of the Confucian Temple, it is a place to pay homage to Confucius, the ancestor, and the sages of past dynasties. It stands alone as a courtyard, forming a complete ancient architectural complex.
Inscription Monument for Jinshi Scholars
Inside the Confucian Temple, there are 198 steles inscribed with the names of imperial scholars from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, engraved with the names, native places and rankings of 51,624 imperial scholars. They are important physical materials for the study of the ancient Chinese imperial examination system.
Imperial Stele Pavilion
The central courtyard houses 13 imperial stele pavilions, preserving steles made by emperors throughout history and documenting historical events of respecting Confucius and Confucianism.
Imperial College Complex
Jixian Gate: It is the main gate of the Imperial College, marking the entrance to the highest ancient institution of learning.
The Imperial College Gate: The gateway to the teaching area, embodying the solemnity of the institution of learning.
The glazed Archway: A three-room, four-column and seven-story building, decorated with yellow and green glazed tiles, it is the only glazed archway in Beijing specifically established for education.
The Biyong Hall: A place where emperors of the Qing Dynasty gave lectures. It has a unique architectural form, surrounded by water on all sides, embodying the concept of “the sky is round and the earth is square”.
Yilun Hall: Originally a library, it was later converted into a lecture hall and is the core teaching building of the Imperial College.
Jingyi Pavilion: A building for storing sacrificial items, embodying the etiquette norms in ancient education.
Thirteen Classics Stele Forest
Inside the Confucian Temple, there is a forest of steles engraved with the Thirteen Classics of Confucianism, presenting the complete Confucian classic literature and serving as an important source for the study of ancient academic thought.
Ancient and famous trees
In the courtyard, ancient buildings are hidden among green pines and cypresses, including famous trees such as the “Touching the Evil Cypress” and the “Reviving Locust Tree”. These ancient trees, together with the buildings, form an organic whole of the historical environment.
