This May, high school students and parents prayed to Confucius for good scores on the gaokao (China’s college entrance exam), many of them at Beijing’s Temple of Confucius. For any students with upcoming tests, make sure to rub the dragon Ao’s head for good luck!
The Temple of Confucius in Beijing, along with the neighboring Guozijian (Imperial Academy) is a scenic and educational site. Initially built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century, the temple and Guozijian serve as a glimpse into Confucian thinking and the imperial examination process.
This attraction includes both indoor and outdoor features. In the main courtyard, there is a statue of Confucius. There’s also a hall of large stone monuments inscribed with important Confucian teachings. In ancient times, people would gather in the temple to read his philosophical teachings on ethics, education, art, and more.
The Guozijian is the last of its kind in China, having been the national university during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The entrance to the Guozijian is a beautiful, traditional Chinese archway. In this area, there is an exhibition dedicated to China’s imperial examination, which selected citizens for the state bureaucracy. Here, you can view the “eight-part essays” (ba gu wen) as well as recreations of the testing cubicles.
Located down a hutong (traditional Chinese alleyway), there is a variety of small shops and restaurants nearby to visit before or after you see the temple and Guozijian. To escape from the intense summer heat, ice cream and cold drinks are available, but beware of the long lines!
Tickets are RMB 30 for adults and free for middle and primary school students as well as young children (under 1.2 m). This summer, the temple and the Guozijian are open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. If you visit, make sure to bring your I.D., as this will be checked before you enter.
15 Guozijian St, 国子监 Dongcheng District
东城区安定门内国子监街13号
Image credit: Capri W.
