Zhengzhou | Zhengzhou Confucian Temple | A Millennium-old Sacred Site of Confucian Culture

Built during Emperor Ming's Yongping period of Eastern Han Dynasty (58-75 CE), Zhengzhou Confucian Temple is China's second-oldest Confucian temple and a spiritual landmark of this millennium-old commercial capital. Despite multiple war damages, the 2004 restoration preserved core structures like Lingxing Gate, Pan Pool, and Dacheng Hall. Between its red walls and green tiles flows Confucian wisdom that "virtue matches heaven and earth, while the way links ancient and modern." Annual ceremonies like the Confucius Memorial Ceremony and New Year Bell Striking allow modern people to share reverence for the "Teacher of All Ages." 🎢Must-Visit Guide Architectural Exploration: • Lingxing Gate: White marble archway inscribed with "Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth," with "Lingxing Gate" gleaming on the central beam, symbolizing Confucius as the descended God of Literature • Pan Pool Status Bridge: Single-arch stone bridge over a crescent-shaped pool; scholars once crossed it hoping to "top the imperial examinations," now perfect for Forbidden City-style red wall reflections • Dacheng Hall: Qing Dynasty building with glazed tiles and hip-and-gable roof, housing Confucius statue with Four Sages and Twelve Philosophers under the "Teacher of All Ages" plaque, featuring exquisite bracket and painting craftsmanship Cultural Experiences: • Six Arts Learning Hall: Interactive experiences of the gentlemanly arts through guqin playing, calligraphy practice, and more • Confucius Exhibition: Illustrated stories of Confucius's travels, featuring Liu Chunlin's replica imperial examination paper • Sacred Brick Carvings: 22 high-relief brick carvings depicting Confucius's life, known as "comic strips carved in stone" 🍜Food Recommendations • Fang Zhongshan Hulatang: Beef soup with fried bread, new "mild-spicy friendly version" in 2025, queue before 7:30am • Ge's Braised Pork with Pancakes: Intangible cultural heritage, tender braised pork with thousand-layer pancakes, ¥25/person • Old Cai's Steamed Dumplings: Time-honored brand, crescent-shaped dumplings, wonton in chicken soup, ¥15/person 🏨Accommodation Options • City Comfort Hotel: 500m from temple, free laundry service, standard room ¥180/night • FY Boutique Hotel: Direct access via subway line 3, elegant rooms ¥220/night, self-service laundry • Yueyue Hotel: Near Zijingshan commercial area, cozy double room ¥150/night, 10-minute walk to temple 💰Tickets and Policies • Free admission: Regular days free, ¥10 during temple fairs • Hours: 8:00-17:00, last entry at 17:00 🚌Transportation Guide • Subway: Exit C/D of Wenming Station on Line 3, 5-minute walk • Bus: Routes 2, 52, 60 to "Zhengzhou Confucian Temple" stop, about 10-minute ride • Driving: Navigate to "Zhengzhou Confucian Temple," public parking lot available on Zhigong Street This thousand-year-old academy hidden in the bustling city tells stories of self-discipline and propriety through its red walls and green tiles. Whether seeking blessings as a student, taking photos in hanfu, or studying culture, everyone can find timeless resonance here.