Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market

Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market

The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market is a cultural tourism attraction.

　The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market is located in the core area of the Ten-Li Qinhuai Scenic Belt, adjacent to the ancient architectural complex of the Confucius Temple and close to Bailuzhou Park. As early as the Six Dynasties period, Nanjing had the custom of growing and appreciating flowers. During the Song Dynasty, the "artificial chrysanthemums" for appreciation in Jinling were remarkably tall, with some flower stands (known as "chrysanthemum towers") built by gardeners reaching one or two zhang in height. In the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, a Hui family surnamed Ha settled in Tietangchi on Hongwu Road in Nanjing, and for generations they were engaged in the breeding and trading of ornamental goldfish.

Wu Yi Lane Former Residences of the Wang and Xie Clans

According to the Ming Dynasty’s Zhengde Jiangning County Annals, at that time there were already dozens of varieties such as peonies, crabapples, poppies, roses, narcissus, peach blossoms, crape myrtles, and Yushu flowers (also known as Yingrihong). On the 12th day of the second lunar month and the 16th day of the ninth lunar month each year, which were respectively the birthdays of the “God of All Flowers” and the “God of Chrysanthemums,” people would go out to buy flowers, and areas such as Baihua Lane and Huashi Street in the southern part of the city would often be packed with crowds.

After the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, there emerged flower farming families who made a living from growing flowers. Many flower farmers would pick the flowers and then come to sell them at the Confucius Temple. At that time, shops such as Wang Shunxing Bird Shop in front of Pan Palace and Yang Family Bird Shop by Wende Bridge also dealt in the trade of plants and flowers. During the Republican era, the range of goods traded at the Confucius Temple Flower and Bird Market expanded to include goldfish, crickets, cicadas, grasshoppers, Yuhua stones, potted plants, as well as related items such as fish tanks and bird cages.

After 1949, local authorities opened a row of flower and bird shops on the east side of the Confucius Temple Square to purchase birds for export trade. The Nanjing Floriculture Company also set up a store specializing in exotic flowers and rare birds near Wenyuan Bridge. The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market was closed during the “0” period. After the reform and opening-up, with the support of relevant government departments, the market was revived and achieved significant development.

The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market has strong folk characteristics. For a long time, activities such as growing flowers, raising birds, keeping fish, and fighting insects have become customs, forming one of the ways for residents in the southern part of Nanjing to enrich their spiritual and cultural lives.

The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market is also the most comprehensive market in the Nanjing area in terms of the variety of goods traded, dealing not only in locally produced species but also in varieties from all over the country.

Many of the goods traded at the Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market are highly seasonal and timely, with the range of goods adjusted throughout the four seasons to continuously meet market demand.

The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market holds certain historical and cultural value. The trading of flowers, birds, fish and insects, as well as the development of the market, reflect historical imprints from one perspective, while also documenting the ecology of local folk culture and traditional activities.

The Confucius Temple Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market provides a place for people to enjoy the fragrance of flowers and the songs of birds, and to observe the beauty of stones and fish in the city. People can watch, shop, or exchange tips, lingering happily and relaxed, reflecting its leisure and ornamental value.

The market also has certain economic and social value. In 2006, the market’s turnover reached over 20 million yuan and directly provided jobs for more than 300 people.

The local area has restored the Flower, Bird, Fish and Insect Market on Jinling Road, with over 40 vendor stalls and more than 300 employees.

To strengthen management, the Qinhuai District has established a Market Management Office responsible for overseeing operations, hygiene, services, and other aspects. The market is also promoted through various news media, and its visibility is enhanced through the publication of books and picture albums.

Transportation Guide – Location: Changbai Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 30, 31, 55, etc. within Nanjing City and get off at Changbai Street. Walk south via Taoyeduke to reach Bailuzhou Park.