A symbol of Confucianism from ancient China
The Confucius Temple was a symbol of Confucianism in ancient China. A Confucius Temple is always built in regional administrative centers to represent Chinese culture. The plaque “Dacheng Hall” hangs at the temple entrance. The temple itself is dedicated to Confucius as well as the tablets of his 72 disciplines including Yanzih, Zihsih, and Zihlu.
The temple decorations are characterized by simple elegance to express a solemn and formal aesthetics. Ceremonies are accompanied by a chorus of drums and bells as well as music and dancing. The ceremonial rituals embody the legacy of Chinese culture. Few relics survived the Japanese period and only the “Restoration Record of the Confucius Temple” stele from the 20th Year of the Jiaqing Era to the left of Dacheng Hall remain somewhat legible, though it is stained with age.
- The Confucius Temple of Chiayi was first built in the 45th Year of the Kangxi Era (1706 AD).
- The “Restoration Record of Confucius Temple” stele to the front left of the Confucius Temple was carved in the 20th year of the Jiaqing Era (1815 AD).
- The Confucius idol was relocated to Wenchang Pavilion after the Great Chiayi Earthquake in the 32th Year of the Guangxu Era (1907 AD), before being moved again to Nanmen Shensheng Temple.
- The Confucius Temple was rebuilt in Chiayi Park in 1961 and the temple stele was moved to the new temple.
- The Confucius Temple was built at its current site in the park in 1964; The Confucius stele was enshrined in Dacheng Hall.
- Construction:
Founding: 45th Year of the Kangxi Era (1706 AD).
Current buildings: Construction commenced in 1962 and was completed in the same year.
