Tainan Confucious Temple 臺南孔子廟

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Tainan's Confucius Temple (aka Taiwan's Confucius Temple) is the oldest Confucius Temple in Taiwan and the first Academy in Taiwan, dating to the Kingdom of Tungning 300 years ago. Today it is an important place for Confucian learning and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tainan. 

Historical Background:
The Taiwan Confucius Temple was completed in 1665 during the Kingdom of Tungning, shortly after Koxinga and taken over Taiwan from the Dutch. The construction was overseen by Koxinga's son Zheng Jing and Chief of General Staff Chen Yonghua. It featured a Hall of Ethics, Hall of Great Achievement, and the First Academy of Taiwan. 
During the Qing Dynasty in 1685, the temple was further expanded and renovated. 
During the Japanese era, the Academy (Wen Miao) was used as a school and barracks.
After the ROC took Taiwan, the temple was well kept and Confucian ceremonies were held on a regular basis. 
As of the time of writing, currently the temple is under renovation, which is expected to be completed in September 2020. 
​The temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tainan.

Hours:
8:30 AM to 9:30 PM (open late so you can see it with lights)

Price:
50 NT per person.
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How to get there:
By Car/Scooter: From Tainan Train Station, drive south on provincial highway 20, then turn at the roundabout onto Nanmen Road. The temple will be on your right. There is limited paid parking nearby.
By Bus: From Tainan Train Station, take bus 2 west about 8 minutes to Tainan Confucius Temple Station. 

Map:
Please see below:

Our Journey:
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I have been to Tainan's Confucius temple twice. The first time I didn't take many photos and the second time it was under renovation.

The main courtyard in front of the temple is a nice open grassy space.

Small gates on either side lead to the street.

View looking toward the Minglun Hall (Hall of Ethics)

In the central courtyard looking at the hall of ethics, the only part of the temple that was open when I came.

Looking closer into the Hall of Ethics where you can see calligraphy from the works of Confucius. It's also a great place to pose for Instagram photos. 

The main Dacheng Gate (大成門).

Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Achievement) behind, which was under construction at the time.

For a complete look at the temple, you can check out this blog by Josh Ellis. 

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out more of our blogs about Tainan to come. 

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