Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum

The Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum is a serene cultural site in Beijing's Dongcheng District, just north of the Lama Temple. The temple, built in 1302, is one of the largest Confucian temples in China, featuring grand halls, ancient cypress trees, and stone stelae inscribed with the names of scholars who passed the imperial exams. The adjacent Guozijian (Imperial College) served as the highest educational institution during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Today, the museum displays artifacts related to Confucian philosophy, calligraphy, and the rigorous examination system. Visitors can walk through the Hall of Great Accomplishment, where Confucius is honored, and explore the tranquil courtyards lined with 198 stone tablets bearing the Thirteen Classics. The site offers a peaceful escape from Beijing's hustle, with shaded paths and traditional architecture.

Don't miss

• See the 198 stone stelae of the Thirteen Classics in the Guozijian courtyard
• Visit the Hall of Great Accomplishment with its statue of Confucius
• Walk through the ancient Imperial College where scholars studied for exams
• Find the 700-year-old cypress tree said to have been planted by a Yuan emperor
• Explore the exhibition on the imperial examination system and its artifacts

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum

Cheapest way inForbidden City/ Palace Museum & Tiananmen Sq. Ticket Booking4.7★ · 161 travelers2–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$3 per personSee dates →Best full dayBeijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City4.9★ · 198 travelers6–7 hoursFree cancellationFrom$118 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleLama Temple & Confucius Temple – Tickets or Guided Tour Service5★ · 10 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$7 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Combine your visit with the nearby Lama Temple and Yonghegong area for a full morning.
• Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash near artifacts.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages at the entrance.
• There is a small tea house on site for a break, but food options are limited; eat before or after.

A bit of history

The temple was first built in 1302 during the Yuan dynasty and expanded in later dynasties. The Guozijian was established in 1306. Both sites were restored in the 20th century and opened as a museum in 2008.