Located in Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Jianshui Confucius Temple was first built in the 22nd year of the Yuan Dynasty (1285) and has undergone more than 40 expansions and renovations over the centuries. Covering an area of 114 acres, it ranks right after the Confucius Temples in Qufu and Beijing in terms of size, architectural quality, and level of preservation.
Fast Facts of Jianshui Confucius Temple
- Location: 268 Linan Road, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 18:00
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Ticket: CNY 40 per person
- Suited to: Anyone, especially history enthusiasts
What to See and Do in Jianshui Confucius Temple
1. Marvel at the Architecture
The Temple of Confucius in Jianshui, Yunnan was constructed entirely in accordance with the style and regulations of the Confucius Temple in Qufu. It features a palace-style layout with a north-south central axis, along which multiple standalone buildings are symmetrically arranged on the east and west sides. The original complex included 37 structures, and you’ll see 31 buildings remain well-preserved during your Yunnan tours to Jianshui.
2. Explore the Dacheng Hall
Passing through the Dacheng Gate, you enter the main building of the Jianshui Confucius Temple, the Dacheng Hall, which is undoubtedly the most captivating part of the temple. This grand hall consists of five spacious bays and is supported by twenty towering columns, each standing five meters high. At the center of the hall, the spirit tablet of Confucius is enshrined.
3. Appreciate the Natural Beauty
Jianshui Confucius Temple has beautiful surroundings, with buildings shaded by lush green trees. For instance, you can visit the Pan Pond, also known as the “Sea of Learning,” whose water ripples gently, surrounded by the lush shade of weeping willows. In the center of it, there is a charming little island where the “Sile Pavilion” is situated. There, you can have a panoramic view of the temple.
4. Admire the Stone Tablets
The Confucius Temple in Jianshui houses a vast collection of stone tablets. Behind the Dacheng Hall, more than ten stone tablets from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are displayed. Among them is an imperial edict issued by Emperor Wuzong in the first year of Zhida during the Yuan Dynasty, which posthumously conferred the title of “Great Sage and First Teacher” upon Confucius. This is one of the oldest existing stone tablets in southern Yunnan.
5. Attend Cultural Activities
The Confucius Temple in Jianshui offers a variety of daily activities, including seal carving, chime bell performances, and rubbings. Besides, there are many traditional cultural activities held on weekends or holidays, such as archery, pitch-pot games, sugar painting, wearing Hanfu while touring the temple, Zitao pottery DIY, and traditional Confucius memorial ceremonies. If you happen to be there during these events, make sure not to miss them.
Best Time to Visit Jianshui Confucius Temple
Jianshui Temple of Confucius is open all year round, and the best time to visit there is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the temperatures are mild and the surroundings are pleasant. What’s more, there will be more cultural activities to experience during your trip to Jianshui in Yunnan, as these months cover most holidays in China.
Getting to Jianshui Temple of Confucius
Jianshui Confucius Temple is located in Jianshui Ancient Town. To get there, you need to take a plane to Kunming Changshui Airport from your city first. Then, take either high-speed trains or long-distance buses from Kunming to Jianshui. There are frequent trains from Kunming to Jianshui Railway Station, which is located about 7 kilometers from Jianshui Ancient Town and can be reached by taxi.
Besides, Jianshui has a well-developed bus network that connects it to other cities in Yunnan Province, and you can also take a bus to Jianshui, and then take a taxi to the Jianshui Temple of Confucius.
Attractions Nearby Jianshui Temple of Confucius
- Jianshui Ancient Town: This town is where the Jianshui Temple of Confucius is located, and it is an exceptionally well-preserved example of ancient Chinese civilization. Its ancient temples, wells, residences, and Ming and Qing dynasty architecture combine to produce this unique heritage site.
- Double Dragon Bridge: Located about 5 kilometers west of Jianshui Confucius Temple, this bridge creates a picturesque scene and stands as a masterpiece of ancient bridge structure in Yunnan. Visiting there, you will be impressed by its grandeur.
- Swallow Cave: Featuring ancient cave wonders, this site attracts visitors with its cliff carvings and stalactite plaques as well. It consists of natural forest land, a dry cave with religious and cultural significance, and a water cave.
