Confucius Temple
275 Dalong Street, Datong District, Taipei, Taiwan R.O.C.
886 (02) 25923934
admission: free
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This is a very famous temple in Taiwan that replaced the original 1879 temple that was damaged during the Japanese occupation. Confucius is known to be China’s greatest educator & you could see all his teachings at this temple.
Reconstruction started in 1925 and was funded through donations by the followers of Confucius’ teachings. In 1971, the temple was donated to the state of Taiwan and the Taipei Confucius Temple Governing Board was setup.
Let me share with you some highlights from Confucius Temple when I visited:
- Hong Gate (Gate of Learning) & Pan Gong (Side Gate)
The gates names refer to the names of a school during the ancient times. It implies that all who entered would start learning in school.
- Li Gate (Gate of Rites) & Yi Lu (Path of Righteousness)
To show respect to confucius, all who enter must do so by these side entrances instead of the main gate.
- Wanren Gongqiang (Wall of Supreme Knowledge) & the Pan Pond (Half Moon Pond)
The wall got its name from a quotation of Confucius analects: “If one does not find the door & enter by it, one cannot see the ancestral temple in its beauty.”
The pan pond is shaped like half-moon & where a bridge is arched by the stone pan bridge.
- Lingxing Gate (Main Entrance)
- Yi Gate (Gate of Ceremonies)
- East & West Side Buildings
Enshrined in the side buildings are 154 tablets representing the disciples of Confucius & past scholars who promoted Confucianism.
You’ll find a plaque with inscription of “Education knows no class distinction.” in the Dacheng Hall. This is also where you can find an inscribed tablet that represent the spirit of Confucius.
Dedicated to the 5 generations of ancentors of Confucius, his brother, fathers of his 4 sages & fathers of Confucian scholars of later dynasties.
- Minglun Hall (Hall of Moral Instruction)
Added in 1956 where classes are offered to visitors. Classes like calligraphy, Confucian classics, ancient music to name a few.
Ritual objects, sacrificial vessels, musical instruments, costumes used in Shidial ceremony can be found in the exhibition room.
Every year on September 28, people celebrate Confucius’ birthday at Confucius temple. The ceremony is called Shidian. On this day, the ceremony is presided over the Mayor of Taipei at 6AM. The entire Shidian Ceremony is composed of 37 stages. Attendants will go to the appointed places, welcome the spirit of Confucius & perform sacrificial rites.
It is too bad that I was only in Taipei from September 12-21 so I wasn’t able to catch this big day.
More pictures of the place here.
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