The Tainan Confucius Temple (台南孔廟), also known as the “Scholarly Temple” or “First Academy of Taiwan” (全台首學), is located in southern Taiwan’s Tainan City. It is an ancient temple dedicated to the revered Chinese philosopher Confucius.
The entire complex covers over 9,000 square meters (2.22 acres) and consists of 15 buildings, making it the Confucian temple with the most buildings in Taiwan.
Today, the Tainan Confucius Temple is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a timeless testament to the enduring legacy of Confucius and the profound influence of Confucianism on Taiwanese culture. A solemn Confucius Memorial Ceremony is conducted on September 28, and a smaller one on the spring equinox (春分), around March 20th every year.
Watch the following video for more interesting images of the Tainan Confucius Temple.
History of the Tainan Confucius Temple
The Tainan Confucius Temple was built in 1665 under the instruction of Zheng Jing (鄭經), the son of Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga 國姓爺 or 鄭成功). It was the first Confucius Temple built in Taiwan and is considered the first official school in Taiwan.
At first, only the Dacheng Hall (大成殿) and the Minglun Hall (明倫堂) were built. The former is the location dedicated to the veneration of Confucius, while the latter is Taiwan’s first place of public education.
During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the two halls to the east and west of the main hall were added, as well as the Chongsheng Shrine (崇聖祠), a shrine dedicated to the Taoist God of Earth (福德正神), and a shrine dedicated to the God of Literature (文昌大帝).
The temple has undergone several expansions and renovations over the past 350 years, including renovation projects by the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1953, 1977, 1979, and 1989. In fact, it is one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Taiwan and the most complete traditional Minnan (Southern Chinese) architectural complex in Tainan.
Dacheng Hall (大成殿) of the Tainan Confucius Temple
Dacheng Hall is located in the middle of a granite courtyard with a large elevated platform in front of it. At the front of the hall, a stone-carved mural of a dragon adorns the middle of the stairs leading to the elevated platform. The roof features several additional dragon carvings, and at its center stands a “seven-tiered” pagoda, believed to ward off evil spirits.
A modest shrine displays the Confucius Spirit Tablet (神位) inside the hall on an elegant red table. Above the tablet and on the ceiling are plaques of ancient emperors and presidents of the Republic of China (Taiwan), paying homage to Confucius and reflecting the reverence for his teachings throughout history.
The hall is the central and the most revered structure within the complex, embodying the essence of Confucian philosophy and education. This grand hall, often called the “Hall of Great Achievement,” serves as the main sanctuary for the veneration of Confucius and his esteemed disciples.
The Gate of Rites (禮門) and the Path of Righteousness (義路)
Built in 1715 in front of the Dacheng Gate, the Gate of Rites (Li Men 禮門) is situated on the east side, while the Path of Righteousness (Yi Lu 義路) is located on the west side. Historically, the Gate of Rites and its adjacent path were the only entry points for students to access the Dacheng Hall. And students were required to exit the temple through the Path of Righteousness and the adjacent archgate.
This practice symbolized the importance of adhering to both etiquette and righteousness in pursuing knowledge and moral integrity — the core principles that Confucius imparted. The deliberate movement through these gates reinforced the educational and ethical journey central to Confucian teachings.
The Stone Arch of the First Academy of Taiwan
The Stone Arch of the First Academy of Taiwan, now located opposite the entrance to the Tainan Confucius Temple, was crafted by masons in Quanzhou, Fujian, in 1777. Though made of stone, it has the appearance of wood.
Initially, the Stone Arch served as the outermost gate of the Confucius Temple. However, it was separated from the main complex during the Japanese colonial period due to the construction of Nanmen Road. Today, it is the gateway to a pedestrian street lined with cafés and small eateries.
Architecture and design of the Tainan Confucius Temple
The Tainan Confucius Temple is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture, characterized by its elegant symmetry, intricate carvings, and vibrant color. The temple complex is laid out in a traditional Chinese courtyard style, with a series of halls, pavilions, and gardens interconnected by pathways and ornate gateways.
Almost all the Tainan Confucius Temple buildings are painted red because the color is often associated with luck, joy, and prosperity in Chinese culture. On the other hand, red represents the sacred and revered status of the temple, enhancing its auspiciousness and the dignity of Confucian ideals. Thus, the use of red not only beautifies the temple, but also reinforces its spiritual and cultural significance.
Unlike other Taiwanese folk and Taoist temples, which are often vividly decorated and filled with the constant aroma of burning incense, Confucian temples, such as the Tainan Confucius Temple, stand out for their uniform simplicity. This simplicity aligns with Confucian principles, emphasizing order, clarity, and modesty. The tranquil and unadorned environment of Confucian temples fosters a space conducive to contemplation and studying Confucian teachings.
All Confucius temples lack images or statues of Confucius because of the Confucian emphasis on modesty and focus on teachings rather than individual worship. In fact, during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), the emperor had also decreed that all Confucius temples should be uniform and contain only “spirit tablets” (神位) rather than images of the sage.
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