32/46.- Beijing, Confucian Temple

The Confucian Temple is a rather small Temple, which can be visited in an hour or less.

Confucian academies in China prepared scholars for high office through the study of the Confucian classics. At this temple, the Ming and Qing dynasties kept a list of the candidates who successfully passed these examinations. On the sides of the Ancient Teacher and the Gate of the Great Achievements are 198 steeles bearing the names of the 51,524 scholars who obtained the rank of Jinshi.

Outside the temple you may find some locals who will offer their rickshaw hutongs tours. If you have time, do take one of these tours. Hutongs are one of Beijing's attractions. Hutongs are the traditional neighborhoods in the center of Beijing. There are three types of Hutongs: centers of government offices, residential areas for nobles, and old markets. These small and narrow streets, some of which are less than 3 feet wide, are quickly being demolished in order to give way to new office and residential buildings.

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