Nanjing Fuzimiao

Nanjing Fuzimiao is a Confucian temple on the Qinhuai River in Qinhuai District with multiple halls, pavilions, and chambers spread across its grounds. The main section contains the Dacheng Hall, which houses a large statue of Confucius, along with examination areas and educational spaces.

The temple was founded in 384 as China's first national institution for learning and training, educating countless scholars across generations. It underwent major reconstruction in 1034, when the complex was substantially rebuilt to serve the growing needs of the time.

The complex shows how this place shaped thinking across generations, functioning not merely as a building but as a space where people gathered to learn and reflect. The statues, inscriptions, and arrangement of rooms tell of a time when knowledge and character were deeply connected.

The temple is open daily and offers different areas to explore, with separate entry options for individual halls or the entire complex. Visiting early in the day helps you avoid crowds and move through the many spaces at a comfortable pace.

The grounds contain thousands of small cells where examination candidates proved their abilities during the imperial civil service tests. These cells offer a rare look at the daily struggle of those competing for careers in imperial administration.