Yongchun Confucius Temple

Yongchun Confucius Temple

Yongchun Confucius Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Yongchun Confucius Temple

Yongchun Confucius Temple is located in Taocheng Town, Yongchun County, also known as the Temple of Confucius or the Imperial College, and was a place where scholars studied and prepared for imperial examinations. Established during the Qingli era (1041–1048) of the Northern Song Dynasty, it was initially located west of Dongyue Bridge, then moved to the north of Zhizheng Bridge and the south of Baima Mountain. After seven relocations during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, it was permanently fixed at its current central location in the county town after the 44th year of the Jiajing reign in the Ming Dynasty (1556). Following 32 instances of reconstruction, expansion, and renovation, by the 50th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty (1785), the site had evolved into an imposing and spectacular architectural complex.

Oriented north-south, Yongchun Confucius Temple features major structures such as the Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, Qisheng Shrine, Xiangxian Shrine, Minghuan Shrine, Zunjing Pavilion, Jingyi Pavilion, Yimen Gate, and the Examination Courtyard. It represents one of the largest and most magnificent ancient architectural complexes in Yongchun. Unfortunately, apart from the Dacheng Hall and Minglun Hall, which largely retain their original appearance, other buildings such as the Qisheng Shrine, Xiangxian Shrine, Minghuan Shrine, Zunjing Pavilion, Jingyi Pavilion, Yimen Gate, and the Examination Courtyard have either been damaged or repurposed. The surviving group of ancient buildings, primarily the main hall, was constructed during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty and has undergone multiple restorations. In 1986, the Fujian Provincial Government allocated funds, and Mr. Yan Binsheng donated money for the restoration of the temple, giving this ancient structure a renewed vitality. The restored temple covers an area of over 3,000 square meters, and its architectural layout is largely similar to that of the Quanzhou Prefecture Confucius Temple.

The screen wall in front of the temple is built from granite and red bricks, standing 5 meters high. Also known as a “zhao’bi” (decorative wall), the screen wall is a traditional barrier placed in front of the gates of significant buildings in ancient China (such as palaces and temples) to convey solemnity and dignity. Beneath the roof tiles is a row of carved brick dragons amidst clouds, showcasing classic cultural motifs. On either side of the granite-screened wall stand the “Jinsheng” (Golden Sound) and “Yuzhen” (Jade Chime) gate pavilions, adding further grandeur to the temple. Originally, there were two steles inscribed with orders for dismounting—“by imperial decree, all civil and military officials, soldiers, and civilians must dismount here”—of which only one remains today. This reflects the supreme reverence people held for Confucius.

Directly opposite the screen wall is the Lingxing Gate, a stone memorial archway consisting of six pillars and three openings, intricately carved with various bird and animal designs. The two side gates, also called the “De Dao” (Virtue Path) side gates, are inscribed with “Virtue Rivals Heaven and Earth” and “Wisdom Surpasses Past and Present,” praising Confucius’s moral character and knowledge. A semicircular Pan Pond is spanned by a two-pillar, three-arch bridge. The stone railings on both sides of the bridge connect seamlessly with those around the pond, and the bridge deck is paved with stone slabs, all of which remain well-preserved to this day. In ancient times, only scholars who had passed the xiucai or juren examinations were permitted to walk across this bridge and enter the hall to pay homage to Confucius.

Passing the Pan Pond and walking further inside, you arrive at the gate of the Dacheng Hall. The three pairs of drum-shaped stone blocks outside the gate are made of blue granite and feature exquisitely fine carvings. Stepping through the Dacheng Gate, you enter a courtyard approximately 260 square meters in size. In the center of the courtyard lies a north-south stone path known as the Yongdao (main thoroughfare), which leads directly to the worship platform. Also called the “Moon Platform” or “Exposure Terrace,” the worship platform was used in ancient times for ceremonies such as sacrificial rituals. At the center of the platform is a dragon-patterned imperial stairway known as the “Dragon Stair.” Legend has it that only those who achieved the title of Jinshi (successful imperial examination candidate) in ancient times had the honor of stepping over the dragon’s head on this stairway.

On October 7, 2019, Yongchun Confucius Temple was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Confucius (551–479 BCE), whose given name was Qiu and courtesy name Zhongni, was a native of Zouyi (present-day southeastern Qufu, Shandong Province) in the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. A thinker, educator, and statesman of the late Spring and Autumn period, he was the founder of Confucianism and one of the most influential figures in Chinese history and culture. His impact extends globally, especially throughout Southeast Asia, making him a renowned figure in world culture.

Confucius’s ancestors were the descendants of Weizi Qi, the half-brother of the tyrant King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty. Weizi Qi upheld the sacrifices of the Shang and was enfeoffed in the State of Song. His sixth-generation descendant, Kong Fu Jia, was the first to adopt the surname “Kong.” His fifth-generation ancestor, Mu Jin Fu, fled to the State of Lu to escape turmoil and eventually settled in Zou, Lu... More details about Confucius ++

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units