Confucius said many things that have been passed down for thousands of years and continue to influence daily life in China. In Beijing, the Confucius Temple reminds visitors of his significant impact on Chinese culture and philosophy. It is the second largest Confucian temple in China.
Confucius Temple
An unimposing statue of the philosopher greets visitors just inside the main gate. Behind him stands a three-door gate. Before this second entrance, on either side of the path, stand dozens of stone steles listing the names of scholars from the last three dynasties.
Inside the second gate, on either side of the path, are several pavilions housing large commemorative steles on the backs of dragon turtles or bixi. These were my favorite part of the temple grounds. Each beast was slightly different as they were all carved and erected at different times over hundreds of years. Most were to honor a victory over rebellion in some part of the empire. Several marked different stages of restoration or construction work on the temple itself.
I was particularly impressed when I saw one from 1776, not because of its age as there were many older, but because I couldn’t help but think that my nation was just forming when this one, albeit through a variety of rulers and governments, had been following the same philosophical ideas for nearly 2,000 years.
The Main Hall
Next to the steps leading to the main hall stands an ancient tree. This tree is a very discerning tree. In the past it was known to knock the hats off the heads of corrupt officials exposing them as unworthy.
The main temple hall here is large and spacious with lots of altars along the walls. Musical instruments are also scattered about for ceremonial services. This is where devotees prayed to the sage. I observed many visitors still performing some form of obeisance. Panels inside this hall inform visitors of the objects and ceremonies associated with it.
A side hall protects a collection of steles carved by various masters and emperors including Qianlong, the great Qing builder.
Dance Performance
Behind the main hall at the rear of the temple complex is a small courtyard. Several times a day, this area hosts a short dance performance highlighting different principles of Confucianism. There are several places to sit and watch, but it is wise to arrive a few minutes early for a better vantage point. The traditional dance performance is done well, and worth a few moments of your time.
The Imperial College
Directly adjoining the Confucius Temples sits the Imperial College. This architecturally more beautiful campus is a perfect companion to the neighboring temple. The academy was in use for hundreds of years as a place for imperial officials to learn law, math, Confucian philosophy, and more. Students would be lectured by high-ranking officials, all the way up to the emperor.
Emperor Qianlong is responsible for the campus’ most notable feature, Biyong Hall. This square pavilion sits in the middle of the courtyard and is encircled by a moat. The two shapes are common in Chinese culture with the square representing Earth and the circle representing heaven. They say that when Qianlong gave his first speech from this pavilion in 1785, more than 3,000 people were in attendance. They had to transcribe the speech and have it passed through the crowd.
Prior to this hall’s completion, emperors would address the college in the large rectangular hall at the back of the complex. On either side of the courtyard, there are large instruction rooms and other various administrative spaces. A door was open to one, so I stepped in for a peek before being shewed out. It was set up with probably 100 traditional calligraphy desks on the floor. It appears that the academy still holds classes.
Across the courtyard on the other side, the rooms have been turned into galleries. Unfortunately, the panels are in Chinese. The Imperial College also boasts a couple of stele-laden bixi. There is also a lovely commemorative ceramic archway.
Visiting
Admission, 30 RMB, pays for entrance to both the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College. They can be found near the Lama Temple, which has a subway stop. The sites are open from 8:30-6:00 in the summer months and until 5:00 in the winter months.
