The Anshun Confucian Temple was first built in the Ming Dynasty and has undergone several generations of repairs and additions, reaching a complete state. It was built along the gentle slope of the "Kongming Hill" and symmetrically arranged along the central axis according to regulations. The temple has a complete system, rigorous layout, and exquisite craftsmanship. The historical appearance of the Ming and Qing Confucian temples is still preserved today, making it one of the more exquisite Confucian temples in China.
The Confucian Temple has four entrances, except for the fourth entrance which was destroyed, the other three entrances are well preserved. Due to being built along the mountain, the four entrances also rise gradually. There is a courtyard at the main entrance with a crescent shaped pool called Pan Pool. In ancient times, any scholar had to pass over a stone bridge, which was called 'Youpan'. At the east and west ends of the courtyard, there are "Guixiang Pavilion" and "Zunjing Pavilion" respectively, which are the places where the list of offerings is announced during the ceremony. The third entrance is a quadrangle courtyard. Two stone dragons seem to have descended from the sky, with their bodies appearing and disappearing intermittently, and their heads echoing each other from afar, lifelike. The pillar based stone lion consists of two male and female lions. The male lion steps on embroidered balls, while the female lion nurtures her cubs. They, along with the other two stone dragon pillars outside Dacheng Gate, are collectively known as the "Four Great Stone Carving Treasures of the Confucian Temple".
Anshun Confucian Temple is one of the earliest built Confucian temples in the southwestern ethnic regions of China, and is a witness to the extension and development of Ming and Qing Confucian culture from the Central Plains to remote areas in the southwest.
Travel Tips
Address: No. 47, Xueba Road, Northeast of Shunshi, Xixiu District, Anshun City
Telephone: 0851-33323106
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 throughout the year
Admission ticket: CNY 30