Taipei Confucius Temple Tours and Activities

Spend some time contemplating the calm simplicity embodied by this temple dedicated to one of China’s most important thinkers. 

Admire the seven-tiered pagoda on the Confucius Temple’s roof and see religious artefacts and musical instruments within the main hall’s walls. Let the simple, minimalist philosophy behind the building calm your mind and wander through gardens designed around the principles of Feng Shui. Make sure you take some time to learn about what made Confucius one of the world’s most well-renowned philosophers.

The Confucius Temple was built in 1879 and is a replica of the temple in Shandong, Confucius’ hometown. Although it was destroyed by soldiers during the Japanese occupation of China, it was rebuilt in 1927 to the same design.

Stand before the temple and admire the large Hong Gate which features an attractive swallow-tail ridge. Enter the complex and make your way across the Pan Bridge. Notice the bamboo railings and how their tops have been shaped like bushes.

From here head to the main temple, known as Dacheng Hall. This features the impressive seven-tiered pagoda and is one of the only traditional timber buildings in Taipei. Read the gold characters on the black plaque in the hall which set down the essential elements of Confucius’ philosophy Education without discrimination. The importance of this philosophy is made clear by the presence of the two vertical cylinders on the temple roof. These commemorate brave souls who hid their books here when a past Emperor wanted to destroy them.

Find out more about the building and the man it is dedicated to by taking one of the guided tours. These are run in several languages, including English.

Make sure you leave time to wander the serene gardens. These have been designed entirely according to the laws of Feng Shui.

Several festivals take place at the temple throughout the year. Most notable among these is the celebration of Confucius’ birthday on September 28. Enjoy listening to drumming and chanting, and observe other ancient ceremonies.

Confucius Temple is open every day throughout the year except Mondays. It is located on Dalong Street in the Datong District. Buses stop nearby and run regular services, as do MRT trains. Alight at Yuanshan station.