Ningyuan Confucian Temple
Covering an area of 10,282 square meters, Ningyuan Confucian Temple is the largest and best-preserved temple under state protection in south central China. The well-structured temples and exquisite design of the building complex reflects unique architectural style of China in ancient times. As an old saying goes, “There is Qufu Confucian Temple in north China and Ningyuan Confucian Temple in south China.”
Ningyuan Confucian temple was built in 1208 AD, the first year of Jiading Period, Song Dynasty. The temple existed now was rebuilt in 1775 AD, the 40th year of Qianlong Period, Qing Dynasty. The temple faces south, with an east-west width of 60.2 meters and a south-north length of 170.8 meters. Inside the temple, the Screen wall, Panchi (pool), Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Palace, and Chongsheng Hall are built along the central axis from south to north. It is of wood–brick structure. There are many images of dragon in the temple. There are 20 dragon-phoenix stone pillars under the eaves of the Hall of Great Achievement, which is known as a national treasure.
Ningyuan Confucian Temple, with extravagant architecture, is an important culture relic protection site as well as an important establishment. It was known as an official school in ancient times. It had been an educational institution with temple and school coexisting together. It had been a holy shrine for promoting Confucianism.
Admission fee: 25 yuan/adult
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