Imperial College

Imperial College

The Imperial College is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, and a patriotic education base.

The Imperial College was the highest educational institution and administrative body for education established by the state during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, also known as "Tai Xue" (Imperial Academy) or "Guo Xue" (National School). It was first built in the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1287 AD), and during the Yongle and Zhengtong eras of the Ming Dynasty, it underwent large-scale renovations and expansions. In the 48th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the "Piyong" complex of royal buildings was added, forming the current layout. The overall architecture of the Imperial College faces south and consists of three courtyards, covering an area of more than 27,000 square meters. Along the central axis are the Jixian Gate (main gate), Taixue Gate (second gate), glazed archway, Piyong Hall, Yilun Hall, and Jingyi Pavilion. In ancient times, students studying at the Imperial College were called "Jiansheng." The Imperial College not only admitted students from all ethnic groups across the country but also hosted international students, playing an active role in cultivating talent among China’s various ethnic groups and promoting cultural exchanges between China and other countries. The main structures of the Imperial College have been well-preserved for over 700 years and it is the only completely intact site of an ancient highest educational institution. The Imperial College is world-renowned for its long history, unique architectural style, and profound cultural significance.

The Confucius Temple covers an area of 22,000 square meters and has three courtyards. The buildings along the central axis are, in sequence, the Gate of the First Teacher, the Gate of Great Achievement, the Hall of Great Achievement, and the Shrine of the Sage’s Ancestors. The front courtyard has a stele pavilion, divine kitchen, animal-slaughtering pavilion, and well pavilion on the east side, and a stele pavilion, preparation room, and the Chijing Gate connecting to the Imperial College on the west side. On both sides are 198 stone tablets inscribed with the names of successful imperial examination candidates from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, recording the names, hometowns, and rankings of 51,624 scholars — a precious physical resource for the study of China’s imperial examination system. Outside the Gate of Great Achievement are the Stone Drums of Emperor Qianlong and two related Qing dynasty stone tablets. The middle courtyard mainly features the East and West Side Halls and 13 imperial stele pavilions, while the rear courtyard has the independent Shrine of the Sage’s Ancestors, together forming the complete ancient architectural complex of Beijing’s Confucius Temple.

Suggested Duration

3–4 hours

Transportation

1. Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghegong Station

2. Take Bus 118, 684, 13, or 117 and get off at Yonghegong Station

3. Take Bus 113, 108, 104, 803, 124, 758, or 950 and get off at Fangjia Hutong Station

Admission Fee

Admission: 30 RMB; half-price (15 RMB) for university students with a valid student ID; free admission for primary and secondary school students with a valid student ID and children under 1.2 meters tall.

Opening Hours

Regular days: 13:00–18:00

Holidays: 09:30–18:00 (closed on Mondays)

Location

No. 13, Guozijian Street, Andingmennei, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Further Reading:

· One of Beijing’s First Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units

· China’s National Second-Class Museum

· One of the First Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level