Gongcheng Confucius Temple

Gongcheng Confucius Temple (Temple of Confucius)

Gongcheng Confucius Temple (Temple of Confucius) is a cultural tourism attraction.

Gongcheng Confucius Temple, also known as the Temple of Confucius or the Imperial College, is a temple dedicated to commemorating Confucius, the great ancient Chinese educator and philosopher. Covering an area of 3,600 square meters with a built-up area of 1,300 square meters, it is the largest, oldest, most magnificent, and best-preserved temple in Guangxi, earning the nickname “Little Qufu of South China.” It was first built in the eighth year of the Yongle reign during the Ming Dynasty (1410 AD), boasting a history of nearly 600 years. In terms of age, it is four years younger than the Forbidden City in Beijing and seven years older than Tiananmen. Facing south and backed by Xishan Mountain, the temple is constructed on six ascending terraces, each level rising gracefully to create a majestic and spectacular visual effect. The architectural layout proceeds in sequence from the screen wall and official wall, through the Ceremonial Gate, Righteous Path Gate, Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond and Number One Scholar Bridge, left and right stele pavilions and east and west wing rooms, then the Dacheng Gate, Hall of Eminent Sages, Shrine of Local Worthies, east and west side halls, terrace, and finally the Dacheng Hall, ending at the Shrine of Venerated Sage. The gates, courtyards, and halls are all aligned along a central axis, symmetrically arranged, with distinct levels and a rigorously organized layout. The Lingxing Gate in the temple is built from bluestone, and the three characters “Lingxing Gate” were inscribed by Emperor Qianlong; the Number One Scholar Bridge over the Pan Pond, along with the cloud-pattern carvings on the bridge, symbolize “ascending to success in one’s career”; the double doors of the grand Dacheng Gate feature exquisitely crafted double-sided openwork carvings; there is also a large bluestone dragon stair (one of only two remaining in China) that symbolizes imperial status; as well as three plaques in the Dacheng Hall — “Model Teacher for All Ages” inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, “None Have Excelled Him in Benefiting Mankind” by Emperor Yongzheng, and “The Essence of Culture Resides Here” by Emperor Guangxu. The hall also houses a 3.5-meter-tall statue of Confucius with an 0.8-meter-tall pedestal, and 2-meter-tall statues of the “Four Companions.”

Address:

At the foot of Xishan Mountain, Gongcheng, Guilin, Guangxi

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:00

Ticket Price

20 RMB