Discover the charm of Guozijian Street, a rare ancient alley in Beijing, adorned with century-old painted archways, lush trees, and bluestone slabs. Explore the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy, China’s best-preserved imperial temple and education complex, dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Begin at the Confucius Temple, a royal sacred venue for Confucian worship across three dynasties and one of China’s four great Confucian temples. Tall vermilion walls shut out urban noise, while sturdy ancient cypresses with twisted branches thrive through centuries of wind and rain, silently witnessing the passage of time.

Admire the grand and solemn architectural complex topped with the majestic Dacheng Hall, whose exquisite flying eaves and intricate brackets fully embody the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture. See rows of imperial steles engraved with the names of more than 50,000 successful imperial examination candidates.

Next, head to the Imperial Academy, the highest educational institution and administrative centre in ancient China, honoured as the “top academy under heaven”. Its core structure, the Piyong Hall, features an ingenious design, surrounded by running water and stone bridges. It was here that ancient emperors delivered lectures and spread Confucian teachings nationwide.

Wander through the quiet corridors and well-structured halls, every brick and courtyard permeated with a strong scholarly atmosphere. The scene of ancient scholars studying diligently and pursuing wisdom seems to linger in the long river of time.