Imperial College

　　The Imperial College was the highest educational institution and administrative body for education established by the state during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It was also known as "Taixue" or "Guoxue." It was first built in the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1287 AD). 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 imperial buildings was added, forming its current layout. The entire complex of the Imperial College faces south and consists of three courtyards, covering an area of over 27,000 square meters. Along the central axis are, in sequence, the Jixian Gate (main gate), Taixue Gate (second gate), Glazed Archway, Piyong Hall, Yilun Hall, and Jingyi Pavilion. In ancient times, students who studied at the Imperial College were called "Jiansheng." The college not only admitted students from all ethnic groups across the country but also hosted international students, playing a positive role in cultivating talent among China's various ethnicities and promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. The main structures of the Imperial College have been well preserved for over 700 years, making it the only intact site of an ancient top-tier educational institution. It is world-renowned for its long history, unique architectural style, and profound cultural significance.

　　The Temple of Confucius covers an area of 22,000 square meters and consists of three courtyards. The buildings along the central axis are, in order, the Gate of the First Teacher, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongsheng Shrine. The front courtyard has, on the east side, stele pavilions, the Divine Kitchen, the Animal-Slaughtering Pavilion, and the Well Pavilion; on the west side, there are stele pavilions, the Fasting Room, and the Holding Reverence Gate, which connects to the Imperial College. 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—valuable physical materials for the study of China’s imperial examination system. Outside the Dacheng Gate are the Stone Drums of Emperor Qianlong and two related Qing dynasty stone tablets. The middle courtyard mainly features the Eastern and Western Side Halls and 13 Imperial Stele Pavilions; the rear courtyard houses the independent Chongsheng Shrine, together forming the complete ancient architectural complex of Beijing’s Temple of Confucius.

Imperial CollegeAAAAGrade

The Imperial College is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

　　Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development

Imperial College