The Confucius Temple in Tainan

The Confucius Temple in Tainan

The Confucius Temple in Tainan is a cultural tourism attraction.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people of Tainan, the Confucius Temple is not only a landmark of the city but also the cultural and spiritual heart of its residents. The temple's architecture is solemn, grand, and dignified, with an atmosphere of reverence and a well-preserved layout, ranking as a national first-class historic site. The lush ancient trees nearby further evoke a sense of historical nostalgia.

　The Tainan Confucius Temple, also known as the Temple of Literature, was built during the Yongli era of the Ming Dynasty. It is the earliest Confucian temple in Taiwan and served as the highest official educational institution before the end of the Qing Dynasty, hence earning the title "First School of Taiwan." Now a first-class historic site, the temple boasts numerous cultural relics and magnificent halls, truly living up to its status as the foremost among Confucian temples.

This Confucius Temple was initiated for construction by Chen Yonghua, a general under Koxinga, and has undergone several renovations over time. The temple gate features a golden horizontal plaque inscribed with "First School of Taiwan," which one passes under upon entering. The bold and striking calligraphy adds to the temple’s solemn and majestic ambiance. The main structure is the Dacheng Hall, dedicated to Confucius, the Great Sage. Unlike typical designs, the Dacheng Hall has no internal columns or corridors; instead, its roof is supported by cantilevered beams extending from the thick walls. Hanging from the hall’s beams are multiple imperial plaques bestowed by emperors of the Qing Dynasty, reflecting its prestigious status. The eastern and western side halls enshrine the spirit tablets of Confucius’ 72 disciples and various ancient sages and scholars. Adjacent to these are the Ritual Instruments Storage and Musical Instruments Storage, where ancient ritual and musical instruments used in Confucian ceremonies are preserved. Behind the main hall lies the Chongsheng Shrine, which honors the ancestral tablets of five generations of Confucius’ forebears and other revered scholars such as Kong Li. Its architectural style is more rustic and traditional.

The Confucius Temple in Tainan

In front of the Dacheng Hall is the Lingxing Gate. To the east of the Lingxing Gate are the Jie Xiao Shrine (for chaste and filial women) and the Xiao Zi Shrine (for filial sons), while to the west are the Ming Guan Shrine (for notable officials) and the Xiang Xian Shrine (for local worthies). Another refined and elegant hall, surrounded by lush greenery, is the Minglun Hall. On its central wall is inlaid a rare version of the full text of the “Great Learning” written in the calligraphic style of Zhao Mengfu. Behind the Minglun Hall stands the Wenchang Pavilion, a three-story tower-like structure that is the tallest building in the Confucius Temple complex. It is dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor and also serves as a library. Outside the Lingxing Gate, a wall separates the temple (Dacheng Hall) from the school (Minglun Hall). The wall has openings known as the “Rite Gate” and the “Righteous Path” on its eastern and western sides, symbolizing the path of Confucian virtue and moral cultivation. Though the wall has now partially collapsed, two gateways still stand in the front courtyard. In front of the Dacheng Hall is a crescent-shaped Pan Pond, constructed according to traditional design. In ancient times, scholars who passed the xiucai (the lowest degree) examination would visit the temple, and after paying respects, they could pick water dropwort from the pond to place on their hats as a symbol of literary accomplishment. Though the imperial examinations have long been abolished, the pond’s spring continues to flow, merging with the surrounding greenery to create a serene spot where visitors and locals alike like to linger.

Additionally, beside the eastern Dacheng Gate stands a “Dismount Stele” established by imperial decree during the Kangxi era, inscribed in both Chinese and Manchu that reads “All civil and military personnel shall dismount here,” showing reverence for the “Greatest Sage.” Outside the gate also stands a Pan Palace Stone Archway, built during the Qianlong era when the Confucius Temple was renovated, to enhance the temple’s grandeur and honor the teachings of Confucius. Due to the construction of Nanmen Road, the archway is now separated from the main complex but remains standing as a testament to the passage of time and changing eras.

Sightseeing

The Confucius Temple in Tainan

In front of the Dacheng Hall is the Lingxing Gate. To the east of the Lingxing Gate are the Jie Xiao Shrine (for chaste and filial women) and the Xiao Zi Shrine (for filial sons), while to the west are the Ming Guan Shrine (for notable officials) and the Xiang Xian Shrine (for local worthies). Another refined and elegant hall, surrounded by lush greenery, is the Minglun Hall. On its central wall is inlaid a rare version of the full text of the “Great Learning” written in the calligraphic style of Zhao Mengfu. Behind the Minglun Hall stands the Wenchang Pavilion, a three-story tower-like structure that is the tallest building in the Confucius Temple complex. It is dedicated to the Wenchang Emperor and also serves as a library. Outside the Lingxing Gate, a wall separates the temple (Dacheng Hall) from the school (Minglun Hall). The wall has openings known as the “Rite Gate” and the “Righteous Path” on its eastern and western sides, symbolizing the path of Confucian virtue and moral cultivation. Though the wall has now partially collapsed, two gateways still stand in the front courtyard. In front of the Dacheng Hall is a crescent-shaped Pan Pond, constructed according to traditional design. In ancient times, scholars who passed the xiucai (the lowest degree) examination would visit the temple, and after paying respects, they could pick water dropwort from the pond to place on their hats as a symbol of literary accomplishment. Though the imperial examinations have long been abolished, the pond’s spring continues to flow, merging with the surrounding greenery to create a serene spot where visitors and locals alike like to linger.

Additionally, beside the eastern Dacheng Gate stands a “Dismount Stele” established by imperial decree during the Kangxi era, inscribed in both Chinese and Manchu that reads “All civil and military personnel shall dismount here,” showing reverence for the “Greatest Sage.” Outside the gate also stands a Pan Palace Stone Archway, built during the Qianlong era when the Confucius Temple was renovated, to enhance the temple’s grandeur and honor the teachings of Confucius. Due to the construction of Nanmen Road, the archway is now separated from the main complex but remains standing as a testament to the passage of time and changing eras.

Highlights of the Site

The temple gate is accessed via a golden horizontal plaque inscribed with “First School of Taiwan.” On the left side of the gate is a Dismount Stele, inscribed in both Manchu and Chinese with the 12 characters “All civil and military personnel shall dismount here,” adding to the solemn atmosphere.

Festive Events

Welcoming Mazu: The birthday of Mazu falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. Every three years, the Mazu statue at Tainan’s Grand Matsu Temple is paraded through the city. Nearby temples also send out palanquins and performance troupes to join in the procession. Tainan’s Grand Matsu Temple is Taiwan’s oldest Mazu temple, and the “Welcoming Mazu” event is the earliest recorded Mazu pilgrimage and parade in Taiwan, with documentation dating back to the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty. The parade route spans over 300 kilometers, covering areas that today include Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Dragon Boat Racing: Local dragon boat races during the Dragon Boat Festival are called “Polo Dragon Boats.” Tainan is the earliest region in Taiwan to hold such races. Before the race begins, rituals such as inviting the water deity, welcoming the dragon boat, and river worship must be performed. After the race, ceremonies to send off the deity, store the dragon boat, and give thanks to the river are held, along with performances of traditional folk arts and song and dance. The event is highly ceremonial. The “Sixteen-Year-Old Rite”: On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year, children who have turned 16 are celebrated as having come of age and are henceforth expected to take responsibility for their actions. Parents prepare a set of traditional offerings — including a “Bird Mother Garment,” Four Fruits, Seven-Star Pavilion, Five Sacrificial Animals, and Seven Bowls of Sweet Taro — to take their child to pray at the Temple of the Seventh Fairy. This custom originates from the legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl, in which the Weaver Girl’s sisters secretly protected their children so they could grow up safely. Over time, this evolved into a unique local tradition.

Confucius (551–479 BC), 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. He was a philosopher, educator, and statesman of the late Spring and Autumn period, the founder of Confucianism, and one of the most influential figures in Chinese history and culture. His influence extends worldwide, especially across Southeast Asia, making him one of the world’s cultural icons.

Confucius’ ancestors were from the royal family of the Yin-Shang dynasty. His earliest known ancestor was Weizi Qi, the half-brother of the tyrant King Zhou of Shang, who inherited the Shang lineage and was enfeoffed in the State of Song. His sixth-generation ancestor, Kong Fu Jia, was the first to adopt the surname “Kong.” His fifth-generation ancestor, Kong Jia Fu, fled to the State of Lu to escape turmoil and eventually settled there... More detailed information about Confucius ++