Changchun Confucius Temple 长春文庙

About Changchun Confucius Temple

Its sequence of ritual gates, the Panchi pool and bridge, and Dacheng Hall gives the visit a readable ceremonial axis. Wenchang Pavilion adds the connection with literary learning, although that pavilion is a modern reconstruction. Compare the spaces devoted to ritual and scholarship while recognising that the present ensemble contains repairs and rebuilt elements from several periods.

The temple was originally built in 1872 with funding from Zhu Chen (朱琛), and in 1894 the Changchun magistrate Yang Tonggui (杨同桂) added the Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁). In 1924 the magistrate Zhao Pengdi (赵鹏第) oversaw a renovation and expansion funded by 38,000 yuan raised from various quarters. After the founding of the People's Republic of China the site was converted into the schoolhouse of Dongtoudao Elementary School (东头道街小学), and the original buildings suffered heavy damage, with some facilities demolished.

It was authorized as a municipal-level cultural relic preservation body in 1985, and two years later was classified as a Jilin Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit (吉林省文物保护单位). Since its restoration was completed in 2002 the temple has held regular exhibitions and Confucius sacrificial ceremonies, and it operates a 'Guoxue Grand Lecture Hall' (国学大讲堂) offering lectures on traditional learning, functioning as a platform for spreading traditional culture.

What to look for

• The Panchi pool and bridge followed by Lingxing Gate and Dacheng Hall.
• The reconstructed Wenchang Pavilion and the temple's learning-related architectural sequence.

The surrounding area

Provincial capital base for modern history, Xinmin Avenue and the separate Jingyuetan outdoor area.

Location & getting there

Getting to Changchun Confucius Temple

Use 239 Dongtian Street in Nanguan District. Nanguan metro station provides a nearby urban approach, with the final street connection to the museum entrance.