Nanjing (Nanking) City Tour Package
Confucius Temple (Fuzimmiao)
The Confucius Temple in
Nanjing was originally constructed in
the year of 1034 in the Song Dynasty. It was a place to worship and
consecrate Confucius, the great philosopher and educator of ancient
China. It is also known as Fuzimiao in Chinese. This temple suffered
repeated damage and has been rebuilt on several occasions since that
time. 1937 was the most destruction when it was burnt to ruin by
Japanese aggressors. In 1984 the temple was rebuilt under the
support of the local government. During the long process, the
original building expanded to be a complex building in the
architectural style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911)
dynasties, including the Confucius Temple itself, the Jiangnan
Gongyuan (the place of imperial examinations) and the Xue Gong (the
Imperial Academy). The complex is still called the Confucius Temple
out of habit by locals and visitors.
In front of the Confucius Temple, the Qin Huai River is
flowing. On the south bank of the river, there is the longest screen
wall in China, which is 110-meter-long (about 120 yards) and piled
with bricks. The Dacheng Hall is recommended on your trip. It is
16.22 meters high (about 53 feet) and 28.1 meters (about 30 yards)
wide featuring a 1.5-meter-high (about 5 feet) pedestal. There are
two worthwhile attractions found in the inner hall. One is the
largest figure of Confucius in China. The other one is the beautiful
collection of 38 vivid panels, which are made by various jade, gold
and silver, detailing the life of Confucius. Out of the hall, you
will see the bronze statue of Confucius as well as the white marble
statues of his eight disciples.
A fantastic insight into how ancient Chinese
governments choose officials can be gained from visiting the
Jiangnan Gongyuan. It is a sight not to be missed. The development
of Gongyuan began in the Southern Song Dynasty (420-589), expanding
into the Ming and Qing Dynasties, until in the reign of Emperor
Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty. It developed to be the biggest
exanimation school in China. The main building of Gongyuan is the
three-storied Mingyuan Tower which is surrounded by 20,644
examination cells, called 'haoshe' in Chinese. Now, a specialized
museum on the imperial civil examination system is built here.
Visitors also have the opportunity to take simulated exams and
experience the joys and sorrows of the candidates.
The area around the temple consists of a series of
tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants and tea cafes. They all
appear to be in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing style.
A variety of snacks encompassing eight of the most famous flavours
are available for purchase at here.
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