Anshun Confucian Temple 安顺文庙

About Anshun Confucian Temple

Lingxing Gate contains carved scenes associated with the examination system, while the columns at Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall wrap dragons and clouds around the stone. Openwork carving separates parts of the dragon from the column behind it. Follow the central axis slowly and compare how the same material is used for gates, bridge details and structural supports.

Construction of the temple began in the 27th year of the Hongwu era (1394) of the Ming dynasty, and it was rebuilt and expanded several times during the Ming and Qing dynasties; the surviving stone carvings date from the Ming dynasty, while the rest of the buildings are Qing or more recent.

The temple is laid out in five successive courtyards along its central axis. The first courtyard holds a spirit wall, a ceremonial gate and a stele requiring riders to dismount; the second holds Jiexiao Ci (节孝祠), Minglun Tang (明伦堂), Pan Chi (泮池) and Zhuangyuan Bridge (状元桥); and the fifth holds Chongsheng Ci (崇圣祠).

Also known as Fuxue Palace (府学宫), the temple is counted as one of four major ancient stone architectural complexes in China. It was listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level in 2001, in the fifth such round of designations, with a total registered area of 8,750 square meters.

What to look for

• Lingxing Gate carries narrative stone carvings related to the examination tradition.
• Dragon-and-cloud columns at Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall demonstrate deep relief and openwork carving.

The surrounding area

A western base for the Huangguoshu waterfall region, with a dedicated scenic-area visit.

Location & getting there

Getting to Anshun Confucian Temple

The temple is on Hongxueba Road in the northeastern part of Anshun’s old city, Xixiu District. Use the Confucian Temple frontage on that street and follow the current courtyard admission route.