Nanjing Fuzimiao

Nanjing Fuzimiao
Native name Chinese: 南京夫子廟
Confucius Temple in Nanjing Quebec Court of light, also known as Kuixing Court, Man Star Court.
Location	128 Zinyhan Road, Nanjing, China
Coordinates	32°01′21″N 118°47′02″E / 32.022579°N 118.783786°ECoordinates: 32°01′21″N 118°47′02″E / 32.022579°N 118.783786°E
Built	1034 originally A.D.; the current structure was built in the 19th century

Nanjing Fuzimiao (Chinese: 南京夫子廟) or Fuzimiao (Chinese: 夫子廟; literally: "Confucian Temple"), is located in southern Nanjing City on banks of the Qinhuai River. Within the area are cultural attractions, arts, shopping, and entertainment.

History

In the 3rd year of Xiankang reign of Jin Dynasty (CE 317), Nanking Imperial University was founded on the southern bank of Qinhuai River. Temple of Confucius was firstly constructed in the national school in 384. The place was destroyed In 1034 during Song Dynasty, Confucius Temple was newly constructed on former site of imperial university, and was called Fuzimiao area along with Nanking Fuxue.^[1][2] The place became Imperial University again in 1365 in the early year of Ming Dynasty, and 16 years later recovered to be the campus of Fuxue. During Qing Dynasty, there were two Xianxue (county schools of Shangyuan and Jiangning) in Fuzimiao area. The current buildings date from the 19th century, in Qing Dynasty, with additions made since then. The temple lost all financial support by the state as a result of the revolution of 1911. During the late 1920s to 1931 and again in 1932 it was used as army barracks for troops the KMT regime and left in a dilapidated state. Some halls were used as picture gallery.^[3] In 1985 Fuzimiao area was restored.

Throughout its history, the temple along with the around area has been a place for study of Confucianism. There is a small exhibit of folkart within the temple.^[4]

Clockwise from top left: Confucius sculpture Temple gate Wall of the Temple of Confucius

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  Streetview north of Zhonghua Gate

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  Riverside near Fuzi Miao

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  Night view of Qinhuai River and Fuzimiao

References

1. Fuzimiao
2. Nanjing Fuzimiao
3. Krug, Hans Joachim (*1893); Wanderungen und Wandlungen in China; Berlin 1941 (Scherl), p. 44-5, 53 (based on a visits 1930-3)
4. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: China. DK Publishing; 1 June 2012. ISBN 978-0-7566-9328-2. p. 222.