Anfu Confucius Temple

Anfu Confucius Temple

The Anfu Confucius Temple is a national AA-level tourist attraction and a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level.

The Anfu Confucius Temple is the largest and best-preserved Confucius Temple in Jiangxi Province, located in the southern part of Anfu County, one of Jiangxi’s 18 ancient civilized counties. It is a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province, situated in the county town, 60 kilometers from Ji’an City. It is the largest and most intact Confucius Temple in the southern Yangtze River region. Originally built in the fourth year of the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1081), it was formerly known as the “Academy” or “Temple of Literature.” After several periods of rise and decline, it was relocated to its current site in the twelfth year of the Shaoxing era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1142). The existing main structures face south and cover an area of 2,148 square meters, with the entire courtyard spanning over 10,000 square meters. The complex includes a dismounting stele, a Pan Pond, a circular bridge, the Dacheng Gate, the Shrine of Meritorious Officials, the Shrine of Local Sages, east and west side halls, a terrace, and the Dacheng Hall. The Dacheng Hall adopts the architectural style of traditional Chinese palaces. Inside, it displays over 2,200 years of Anfu County’s history since the Qin Shi Huang era, as well as its superior natural conditions and rich cultural heritage.

The temple complex covers more than 10 acres, with all major buildings arranged along a north-south central axis. It utilizes layered gateways, bridges, and courtyards to create a rich spatial variation that highlights the theme of reverence for Confucius. The Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall are the main structures, covering an area of over 3,000 square meters. With their hip-and-gable roofs, flying eaves, and glazed tiles, they appear ready to take flight. The Dacheng Hall stands 14 meters high and 25 meters wide, featuring a post-and-lintel frame structure. Its platform supports arch pillars, while beams run through square slots. Eight sturdy nanmu wood pillars hold up the grand roof framework. Intricately carved mythical beasts, colorful paintings on beams and rafters, red pillars with golden plaques, and historic couplets all contribute to the hall’s solemn and magnificent atmosphere. Fifty-four octagonal red stone pillars line the outer corridor, standing like 54 majestic guards. Among them, the two pairs of red stone pillars in the center of the Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall have diameters of 60 centimeters and feature hollow-carved, relief dragons amid swirling clouds—each scale and claw vividly rendered, almost leaping to life, adding even more dignity to the hall. In the mid-1990s, with support from relevant departments, overseas and local Anfu people contributed funds to renovate the temple. After more than five years of effort, the Anfu Confucius Temple was restored to its original Ming Dynasty style. The refurbished Shrine of Local Sages, Shrine of Meritorious Officials, and side halls were repurposed to house the Anfu County Museum, which systematically presents the history and culture of this ancient county spanning over 2,000 years.

Location

Southern part of Anfu County, Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province

Free admission

Service hotline: 7625175

Pingdu Town: As the seat of Anfu County government, Pingdu Town is the political, economic, and cultural center of the county. It covers a total area of 78.2 square kilometers, with 28,725 mu of arable land, 53,100 mu of forested area, and a population of 76,000. The town administers 19 administrative villages, 155 villager groups, and 142 natural villages. It is home to historic sites such as the Confucius Temple, Dongshan Pagoda, Dongyuan Pavilion, and Lianfang Nunnery. The area has been a cradle of talent throughout history, producing notable figures such as Wang Tinggui, Ouyang Bijin, and Wang Zaoshi.

The Pingdu Town Party Committee and government firmly uphold a scientific outlook on development. Focusing on strategies such as “opening up to strengthen the town...” More details about Pingdu Town ++

Further reading:

· Seventh batch of major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level