Temple of Confucius in Xian

The Temple of Confucius in Xian (西安孔庙) was first established during the Tang Dynasty, located near the Ministry of Rites (尚书省) and the National University (国子监) in the western corner. During the Song Dynasty, the temple was moved several times. Eventually, in the second year of the Chongning era (1103 AD), the Confucian temple and the local academy were relocated to the southeast corner of the city, which is the present-day location of the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆). This relocation brought together the Confucian temple, the Beilin Museum, and the local academy in one place, making it an important cultural site in China and a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

Location and Protection Status

• Name: Temple of Confucius in Xian (西安孔庙)

• Location: No. 15, Sanxue Street, Beilin District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, China (陕西省西安市碑林区三学街15号)

• Period: Tang Dynasty (唐)

• Protection Status: National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位)

• Affiliated Museum: Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆)

Architectural History

The Temple of Confucius in Xian has been an important cultural institution for centuries. It was originally established during the Tang Dynasty in the western corner of the Ministry of Rites and near the National University. During the Song Dynasty, the temple was relocated multiple times. Finally, in 1103 AD, during the Chongning era of the Song Dynasty, Yu Ce (虞策) moved the Confucian temple and the academy to the southeast corner of the city, which is the current location of the Xi’an Beilin Museum. This relocation brought the Confucian temple, the Beilin Museum, and the local academy into a single complex.

According to the “Jingzhao Fu Chongxiu Fuxue Ji” (《京兆府重修府学记》), the Confucian temple at that time consisted of “a total of five hundred halls, magnificent in size, towering above all others of the time.” Today, the Temple of Confucius retains the architectural style of the Ming (明) and Qing (清) Dynasties.

Major Construction and Features

During the Ming Chenghua (明成化) era, specifically the 11th year (1475), the Temple of Confucius in Xian underwent significant expansion and renovation. According to the “Chongxiu Xi’an Fuxue Wenmiao Ji” (《重修西安府学文庙记》), the temple expanded its previous site and constructed a Dacheng Hall (大成殿) with seven rooms, each measuring 4.5 meters in height and 9.2 meters in length. It also constructed two wings, each with thirty rooms, measuring approximately twice the width and half the depth of the main hall. Other additions included the Gongmen Gate (戟门), Lingxing Gate (棂星门), Wenchang Shrine (文昌祠), Seven Sages Shrine (七贤祠), God’s Kitchen (神厨), Zhai Dormitory (斋宿房), and Pan Pool (泮池).

In the Ming Wanli (明万历) era, specifically in the 20th year (1592), the Taihe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊) was added, as well as seven stone tablet pavilions built during the Qing Dynasty. Together, these structures formed the architectural layout of the Temple of Confucius in Xian as it stands today.

The Main Hall: Dacheng Hall

The Dacheng Hall (大成殿), the largest and most important structure in the temple, is an imposing example of Ming Dynasty architecture. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a lightning fire in 1959. The Dacheng Hall was originally a Hutong-style building (庑殿式建筑), which was one of the prominent architectural styles of the Ming era. The hall was designed to house the statue of Confucius and served as the central space for ceremonies and scholarly events. Despite its loss, other key buildings along the central axis of the temple have been well-preserved.

Other Preserved Structures

Several other structures along the central axis have survived to this day, including:

• Two wings: These structures flank the main hall, providing additional space for various religious and academic activities.

• Gongmen Gate (戟门): This gate is characterized by three bays and two depths, with a single eave and a Xieshan (歇山) roof, covered with green glazed tiles. This gate retains the distinctive characteristics of Ming Dynasty architecture.

• Lingxing Gate (棂星门): Another significant structure along the temple’s central axis, preserving traditional architectural elements from the Ming period.

• Pan Water Bridge (泮水桥): An ancient stone bridge that leads to the central area of the temple, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the spiritual realms.

• Taihe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊): Added during the Ming Dynasty, this archway stands as a significant historical marker.

• Stone tablet pavilions: The Qing Dynasty constructed seven stone tablet pavilions, each displaying inscriptions related to Confucianism and the temple’s history.

Poetic and Inscribed Quotes

Inscriptions and poetic verses are found within the temple, reflecting the deep reverence for Confucius and the cultural importance of the temple:

1. “文庙总五百楹，宏模廓度，伟冠一时。” Translation: “The Confucian temple consists of five hundred halls, grand in scale, towering above all of its time.”

2. “扩其旧址，首建大成殿七间，崇四丈有五、深五丈，袤九丈有二。” Translation: “Expanding the old site, the first construction was the Dacheng Hall with seven rooms, standing 4.5 meters high, 5 meters deep, and 9.2 meters wide.”

Through its architecture and inscriptions, the Temple of Confucius in Xian encapsulates centuries of cultural and academic history, preserving the intellectual legacy of Confucianism in China.

Introduction

The Temple of Confucius in Xi’an (西安孔庙), established during the Tang Dynasty, was originally located near the Ministry of Personnel (尚书省) in the western corner of the Guozi Jian (国子监) area. During the Song Dynasty, the temple was moved several times. In the second year of the Chongning era (1103), the temple, along with the provincial academy (府学), was relocated to the southeastern corner of the city, at the current location of the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆), where it was combined with the Beilin Museum and the academy, creating a significant site for cultural and educational history. It is now a key cultural heritage site in China.

Location and Museum Details

• Location: No. 15, Sanxue Street, Beilin District, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province (陕西省西安市碑林区三学街15号)

• Era: Tang Dynasty (唐)

• Protection Status: National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位)

• Affiliated Museum: Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆)

Architectural History

The Temple of Confucius in Xi’an (西安孔庙) is a key national cultural heritage site. It was initially located near the Ministry of Personnel (尚书省) in the western corner of Guozi Jian (国子监) during the Tang Dynasty. After several relocations during the Song Dynasty, the temple, along with the academy (府学), was finally moved in 1103 to the southeastern corner of the city, where it now resides within the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆). According to the “Record of the Restoration of the Provincial Academy” (京兆府重修府学记) inscribed on a stone tablet, the temple at that time covered 500 rooms, boasting a grand scale that was the greatest of its time.

The current structure largely retains buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the 11th year of the Ming Chenghua era (1475), the “Record of the Restoration of the Xi’an Provincial Academy” mentions the expansion of the temple, with a new construction of the Dacheng Hall (大成殿), measuring over 30 meters in length and about 20 meters deep. Additional structures were added over the centuries, including the Tahe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊) in 1592 and seven stone pavilions built during the Qing Dynasty.

Main Architectural Features

The primary building of the Temple of Confucius in Xi’an (西安孔庙), the Dacheng Hall (大成殿), was an imposing Ming Dynasty building that tragically was destroyed by a lightning fire in 1959. The surviving buildings along the central axis of the temple, such as the two side halls (两庑), the Jimen (戟门), the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), the Pan Shui Bridge (泮水桥), and the Tahe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊), remain in good condition. The Jimen (戟门) features a roof with a cross-hipped gable design and is decorated with green glazed tiles, maintaining distinctive characteristics of Ming Dynasty architecture.

Key Architectural Structures

Tahe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊)

The Tahe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊), built in 1592 during the Ming Dynasty under the sponsorship of the royal family, stands at the entrance to the temple. It symbolizes the idea of “harmonizing all things, benefiting and preserving them,” in accordance with Confucian philosophy. Originally, visitors had to pass through this archway before entering the temple. However, due to the proximity of the city wall to the south, an additional surrounding wall was added during the Qing Dynasty, creating entrances on the east and west sides, named the “Li Men” (礼门) and “Yi Lu” (义路), to facilitate public access.

Pan Pool (泮池)

In front of the Tahe Yuanqi Archway (太和元气坊) lies the semi-circular Pan Pool (泮池), which was initially constructed during the Yuan Dynasty and has undergone several repairs. In ancient rites, the pool was a significant feature of royal academies, as it represented the entrance to the realm of knowledge. The bridge over the pool is called Pan Shui Bridge (泮水桥), which served as a bridge to ancient academies.

Lingxing Gate (棂星门)

The Lingxing Gate (棂星门), located in front of the Pan Pool (泮池), is adorned with a mythical qilin (麒麟) atop the structure. Originally a two-door structure during the Yuan Dynasty, it was later expanded to three doors during the Qing Dynasty. The inscriptions above the doors read, “Wen Miao” (文庙) on the central door, “De Pei Tian Di” (德配天地) on the east door, and “Dao Guan Gu Jin” (道冠古今) on the west door. The name Lingxing (棂星) refers to a mythical star associated with the earth in Chinese mythology, and the gate symbolizes the reverence of Confucius, akin to the ancient ritual of worshipping the heavens.

Huabiao (华表)

On either side of the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), there stand two octagonal stone pillars known as Huabiao (华表). These structures, dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, symbolize the ancient tradition of placing “censorship pillars” at important gates to allow citizens to express their opinions freely. The Huabiao (华表) represents a significant part of ancient Chinese culture, where such structures were placed to facilitate communication between the emperor and the people.

Jimen (戟门)

The third major gate in the Temple of Confucius in Xi’an (西安孔庙) is the Jimen (戟门), also known as the “Yimen” (仪门) or “Zhisheng Men” (至圣门). Built during the Ming Dynasty, the Jimen (戟门) has a cross-gabled roof and served as a ceremonial entry point for officials attending sacrificial rites. The area on both sides of the gate was used for the display of weapons, and military officers had to disarm before entering.

Tang Jingyun Bell (唐景云钟)

Housed in the East Pavilion of the Temple of Confucius, the Tang Jingyun Bell (唐景云钟) was cast during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of the Tang Dynasty (711). Originally hung in the bell tower of the Jinglong Guan (景龙观) in Chang’an, it was later moved to various locations before being relocated to the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆) in 1953. The bell weighs about 6 tons and features intricate carvings of mythical animals and auspicious symbols. It is inscribed with a 292-character poem written by Emperor Ruizong, making it a significant cultural and artistic artifact.

Daxia Stone Horse (大夏石马)

Located in the West Pavilion, the Daxia Stone Horse (大夏石马) dates back to the Daxia Kingdom, founded by the Xiongnu leader Helian Bobo during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The stone horse was originally placed near the tomb of Helian Bobo’s son, Helian Kui, in Chang’an, and commemorates the Daxia army’s victories in battle.

The Central Hall – Dacheng Hall (大成殿)

The Dacheng Hall (大成殿), which once stood at the center of the temple and was the main building for Confucian worship, was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1959. While the original structure is no longer standing, some of its artifacts are preserved at the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆).

Qing Dynasty Stele Pavilions (清代碑亭)

Along the central axis of the Beilin Museum (碑林博物馆), seven Qing Dynasty stele pavilions (碑亭) stand, each housing a large stone tablet. These tablets were inscribed with commemorative writings by emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, who ordered the creation of these monuments to mark their military campaigns in the northwestern regions of China, including the pacification of the Shuo Mo, Jin Chuan, Qinghai, and the Zunghars.

Visitors walking through these pavilions will enter the heart of the Xi’an Beilin Museum (西安碑林博物馆), immersing themselves in a world of ancient stone tablets and calligraphy.

Entrance and Architectural Features

The Wall and Entrance

The entrance to the Temple of Confucius is marked by an ancient brick wall, once the temple’s gate, now obscured by the shadow of a high brick wall. Today, visitors must enter through the Beilin Museum (碑林博物馆) on the east or west side of the temple. The west gate is typically closed, while the east gate is open to the public.

The “Tahe Yuanqi” Archway

As one enters the temple grounds, the first structure encountered is the “Tahe Yuanqi” Archway (太和元气坊), an ancient stone arch from the Ming Dynasty (明代), built in honor of Confucius. The archway, decorated with stone pillars, a wooden frame, and flying eaves, carries a sense of elegance, with its dark gray color and weathered appearance. The archway is believed to have ties to the Zhu family, a noble family of the Ming Dynasty.

The Pan Pools and the Bridge

Before the archway, visitors are greeted by two shimmering ponds, called “Pan Pools” (泮池). There are two historical explanations for the term “Pan Pool.” One suggests that during the Zhou Dynasty (周代), only the emperor could use the full round pool in front of his palace, while the feudal lords could only access half of it. Another explanation traces the name to the educational system, where the emperor’s learning hall was surrounded by water, while the feudal lords’ hall had only half a pool. Traditionally, students entering the Confucian temple had to cross a bridge over the pool as part of their initiation ceremony, known as “Rupan” (入泮), before paying respects to Confucius.

The Lingxing Gate (棂星门)

Beyond the Pan Pools lies the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), the first major entrance to the Temple of Confucius. The name “Lingxing” refers to the “Literary Star” in ancient Chinese astronomy, symbolizing the gathering of scholars and intellectuals. The gate is a representation of the respect given to Confucius, and in ancient times, only officials of high rank could enter through the middle door during the grand ceremony of worship. The side doors were used by lower-ranking officials.

The Steles and the Influence of the Qing Dynasty

The Lingxing Gate is flanked by a series of steles and pavilions. The steles are remnants from the Qing Dynasty (清朝), and the inscriptions are written in both Manchu and Chinese. These steles were erected to commemorate Confucius and scholars who contributed to the study of his teachings. The pavilions have a similar design to those found in the palace in Shenyang (盛京), reflecting the imperial influence during the Qing Dynasty.

The Courtyards and Sacred Sites

The First Courtyard

Upon entering the first courtyard, the visitor is surrounded by towering trees, casting a deep shade. The eastern and western wings of the courtyard are home to the Memorial Halls for Famous Officials (名宦祠) and Local Worthies (乡贤祠). These halls commemorate respected local officials and intellectuals who contributed to society, from promoting education to defending the people against injustice.

The Second Courtyard and the Jì Gate (戟门)

Further into the temple, visitors reach the second courtyard, which is centered around the Jì Gate (戟门), also known as the “Ceremonial Gate” (仪门). The gate was originally built in the Ming Dynasty and serves as the threshold to the temple’s core area. On both sides of the gate, weapons were once displayed for officials to place down before entering the temple for worship. Inside the gate, the architecture becomes more formal, with six exquisite pavilions displaying steles commemorating past emperors of the Qing Dynasty. These pavilions are built in the same style as those found in Beijing’s Imperial College (国子监), reflecting the high status of Confucian worship.

The Dacheng Hall (大成殿) and Its Legacy

The most significant structure in the temple, Dacheng Hall (大成殿), was where Confucius’ statue and his disciples’ images were displayed. Tragically, this hall was struck by lightning and destroyed in 1959. During the 1970s, the ruins were dismantled, but the layout and foundation can still be traced. Some of the sacred objects and statues, such as the statues of Confucius’ disciples, were saved and preserved.

The Spirit of Confucius and the Temple’s Cultural Significance

The Temple of Confucius in Xi’an (西安孔庙) has witnessed centuries of history. Through the architecture, statues, and inscriptions, it embodies the deep respect for Confucius’ teachings and the impact of his philosophy on Chinese culture. Despite the trials of time and the destruction of key structures, the temple remains a testament to Confucius’ legacy in Xi’an and beyond.