Qufu Shengshi Gate

Qufu Shengshi Gate

Qufu Shengshi Gate is a cultural tourism attraction.

　The second main gate of the Temple of Confucius. Built in the 13th year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty (1415 AD), it is a brick structure with wooden roof beams, featuring five bays, three arched gateways, and two side chambers. The stone steps in front of and behind the gate are adorned with carved dragon reliefs, considered fine examples from the early Ming period. Originally named Xuan Sheng Gate, it underwent multiple expansions and renovations during the Qing Dynasty. In the 8th year of the Yongzheng reign (1730 AD), Emperor Shizong officially designated it as “Shengshi Gate,” with an imperial plaque inscribed by Emperor Qianlong. The name “Shengshi” is derived from Mencius, where it describes Confucius as “the sage most attuned to his time,” signifying that among all sages, Confucius was the one who best embodied the spirit of his era.