Tainan Confucius Temple
Southern Taiwan Region
The Tainan Confucius Temple, also known as Quan Tai Shou Xue or the First Academy of Taiwan, is a significant Confucian temple located in Tainan, Taiwan. Established in 1665 during the Koxinga dynasty, it was the first official academy in Taiwan, symbolizing the island's dedication to Confucian education and culture. The temple complex originally comprised the Wen Miao (Confucian Temple) on the right and the National Academy on the left, featuring halls dedicated to Confucius and his disciples, as well as spaces for scholarly lectures. Over centuries, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions, especially during the Qing dynasty and Japanese rule, shaping its present form. Today, it remains a vital cultural site, preserving traditional Confucian ceremonies, including the unique offering of three animals-goat, pig, and ox-still practiced here. The temple houses storerooms for ritual implements and musical instruments used in these ceremonies. It is not only a major tourist attraction but also a living testament to Taiwan's historical and cultural reverence for Confucius and Confucianism.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to attend during the spring and autumn Confucian ceremonies, which start at dawn around 5 a.m., to experience the temple's unique traditional rituals. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during festival periods. The temple offers cultural insights and is accessible year-round, with the best visits in the cooler months to avoid Taiwan's summer heat. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Advance reservations can enhance the experience during special events.
Interesting facts
- •The temple is the only institution in Taiwan that still performs the offering of three different animals-goat, pig, and ox-to worship Confucius.
- •It is the only Confucian temple in Taiwan that insists on conducting spring and autumn ceremonies starting at dawn around 5 a.m., following ancient Qing dynasty rituals.
- •The temple uniquely preserves imperial plaques from Qing dynasty emperors from eight different regions, a feature unmatched worldwide.
History
The Tainan Confucius Temple was founded in 1665 under the Koxinga dynasty as the first official academy in Taiwan, combining a Confucian temple and a national academy.
During the Qing dynasty, it was renovated and expanded multiple times, including the addition of significant structures like the Ta-Cheng Gate and the Ming-Lun Hall.
After Taiwan came under Japanese rule in 1895, the temple was repurposed as a school and military barracks, suffering damage until a major renovation in 1917.
In the modern era, the temple has been preserved and restored, with the latest renovation between 1987 and 1989, maintaining its role as a cultural and educational landmark.
Place Guide
Ta-Cheng Hall (Hall of Great Achievement)1665
The main sanctuary housing the mortuary tablet of Confucius and his distinguished disciples, central to worship activities within the temple.
Ming-Lun Hall (Hall of Ethics)1665
Located on the left side of the temple complex, this hall served as a lecture hall for instructors to cultivate intellectuals and conduct scholarly teachings.
Chung-Sheng Shrine (Shrine of Confucius' Ancestors)1712
A shrine built behind the Ta-Cheng Hall dedicated to the ancestors of Confucius, emphasizing the temple's ancestral worship tradition.
Wen-Chang Shrine and Tu-Di Shrine1712
Located beside the Ta-Chen Gate, these shrines honor scholars and the land, respectively, reflecting the temple's comprehensive spiritual environment.
Li Gate (Gate of Rites) and Yi Road (Path of Righteousness)1712
Two walls with these symbolic gates were built on both sides of the Ta-Cheng Gate yard, representing Confucian virtues and moral paths.
Contact
Phone: 06 221 4647
