Quanzhou Prefecture Confucian Temple

Quanzhou Prefecture Confucian Temple, also known as the Prefectural School, is located by the Baiyuan River in Licheng District, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, and is a key national cultural heritage site. It was originally built at the end of the Tang Dynasty's Kaiyuan era, and was relocated to its current site at the beginning of the Northern Song Dynasty's Taiping Xingguo period (976-981 AD). The Confucian Temple of Quanzhou Prefecture has a long history, a grand scale, and magnificent halls. It is a Confucian temple complex that incorporates architectural styles from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it the largest Confucian temple complex in the southeastern region, with a unique architectural style among the existing Confucian temples in China. Inside the temple, there are the 'Quanzhou Prefecture Confucian Temple Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall,' the 'Quanzhou Historical Celebrities Memorial Hall,' and the 'Quanzhou Ancient Education Exhibition Hall.' As a center for the dissemination of Confucianism, the Confucian Temple and Academy of Quanzhou were symbols of the Quanzhou elite, including government officials and senior intellectuals. These social elites played a significant role in the promotion and management of maritime trade during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Every year on September 28th, the Quanzhou Prefecture Confucian Temple holds the highest standard 'Sacrificial Ceremony' to worship Confucius. During traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, ceremonies such as coming-of-age, paying respect to teachers, and graduation are held, ensuring the good transmission and continuation of Confucian culture. Those interested are welcome to visit.