Confucius Temple in Tainan
History of Tainan Confucius Temple
The Tainan Confucius Temple, known as the first school of Taiwan, was conceptualised in 1665 as the first Confucius temple. Yongwei Chen Yonghua founded it to improve governance and develop education and culture under the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Lun Tang was added in the same year. Over the next few decades, the Qing annexed Taiwan and made additions to the structure. In 1749, a massive overhaul was done with the support of Taiwanese scholars.
Certain renovations were done through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries until the Japanese captured Taiwan. Under Japanese occupation, the shrine became a Japanese garrison and public school. Later, several ceremonial changes were implemented as part of the Japanese Imperial Civilisation movement. The original traditions were reinstated after the Japanese left in 1945. Today, the Ritual and Music Bureau conducts the Confucius worship ceremony at the temple and is committed to preserving the temple’s culture.
Confucius Temple Monuments
Dachengwang was the first school in Taiwan and got its name from the title of Confucius as the ‘Dacheng Most Holy Master’. The square was designed like a gatehouse and six dovetail ridges connect the top of the wall in four different directions. A plaque hanging high on the square reads ‘First School in Taiwan’ while the left wall has a ‘dismounting monument’. The palace wall that separates the temple and the square is painted red, symbolising the era’s beliefs.
As you enter the Confucius Temple courtyard and head to the left side of the Dacheng Hall, you come across Ming Lun Tang. This hall was also known as the Hall of Ethics where students were given lectures by instructors and intellectuals were cultivated. The writings on the Sanchuan Gate mention it as the ‘Gateway of Virtue’ as Confucianism focuses on the cultivation of moral character. The walls also have writings related to virtuous education and the hope of sainthood.
Ranked as the most gorgeous of all architectural elements of the Confucius Temple, the Dachengmen or Dacheng Gate is a must-visit. The most special feature here is that the pillars don’t have inscriptions, rather the door panels have been decorated with 108 nails. The Dacheng Hall has Tongtian Pillars, eight bells on the corners of double eaves, and a terrace where cultural performances are held. The left and right wings have multiple rooms serving various purposes that symbolise different Confucian beliefs.
Also known as the ‘Kui Xing Pavilion’, the Wenchang Pavilion is located on the left-end side of the Ming Lun Tang. What makes the pavilion unique is that it is the only tower-shaped building in the entire complex. The structure follows an unusual pattern as it goes from being a square-shaped tower at the base, switches to circular, and then becomes octagonal. The pavilion is among the last things to see in the Temple when you follow the usual path of exploration.
The Pangong Shifang, also known as the Gung Stone Cave or Pan Palace, was the main location of the school. Once the entrance examination was conducted, students entered the school palace or Pan Palace for their education. The Pan Gong Stone Square was constructed as the original outermost entrance of the Temple. However, it was moved eastward due to the construction of Nanmen Road by the Japanese. Currently, it stands across Nanmen Road from Dachengfang, the ‘first school in Taiwan’.
FAQ's for Tainan Confucius Temple
What is the best time to visit Tainan Confucius Temple?
The best time to visit the Tainan Confucius Temple is in the early morning hours. This is because an early visit lets you explore the historical attraction in the pleasant morning weather and avoid crowds. Visit on weekdays instead of weekends for a relaxed visit amidst fewer crowds.
Why is the Tainan Confucius Temple famous?
The Tainan Confucius Temple was the first temple constructed in honour of Confucius in Tainan. What made the temple even more special was that it was the highest official institute of higher learning in the region. The Dachengwang in the Temple was also known as the first school in Taiwan.
What is the best time to visit Tainan?
The best time to visit Tainan is in the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September and October. These months see pleasant weather conditions with minimal rainfall, and spring sees the iconic cherry blossoms in bloom. If you wish to avoid crowds, visit in November and December.
How to reach Tainan?
You can reach Tainan from Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung, which are the nearest airports to the city. Taipei is connected to Tainan by high-speed rail, bus, and trains, and high-speed rail takes you to Tainan in two hours. Taoyuan to Tainan by High-Speed Rail and local train takes around three hours. If you are in Kaohsiung, take a bus and reach Tainan in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
How long should one spend inside the Tainan Confucius Temple?
Two to three hours is the minimum time needed to explore the major attractions of the Tainan Confucius Temple. You can also spend more time if you wish to learn in detail about Confucian traditions and the schooling system.