Temple of Confucius - Tainan Temple of Literature

Confucius Temple was built in 1665 by one of the first rulers of the island nation of Taiwan - Mr. Trinh Thanh Cong, also known by other names as Trinh Sam, Trinh Dien Binh. When the Ming court failed at the hands of the Qing, a group of people got on a boat to escape to the island of Taiwan, establishing the Nam Minh state in the hope of continuing the war of "anti-Qing and restoring the Ming", led by the emperor. General Trinh Thanh Cong. He built many military buildings, schools and temples throughout Taiwan, of which the famous Confucius Temple. Confucius Temple was built not only for the purpose of preserving Confucianism, showing respect for Confucius, but also used as a place for sages to teach. For this reason, the temple is still known today. with the name "Toan Dai Dao Study"

In 1683, the Dongning kingdom of the Trinh dynasty was destroyed by the general Thi Lang of Dai Thanh, and Taiwan returned to be part of China. Zhou Chang, the first governor of Taiwan at that time, admired this Temple of Literature very much, so he repaired it and expanded it, in which the main hall of Dai Thanh was converted to Quan Dai Dao Hoc (meaning as a university). learn).

In 1712, Tran Binh, the military governor at that time, continued to repair the temple on a large scale, but kept the old structure with the Temple of Literature on the right and Quoc Hoc on the left. In the Temple of Literature, he built a large-scale stone gate to Dai Thanh Gate in the front yard, and built more Chung Thanh Palace in the back yard. The roofs of the shrines are exquisitely carved with images of the dragon Si Van, sages and gods. The wooden panels hanging on both sides of the gate are all carved lines painted by emperors and presidents. Next to the main hall is Minh Luan Palace, once a famous Confucian research center in Taiwan. The school rules at that time were elaborately engraved on a stone table placed near the door, with the intention of reminding students to respect their teachers and maintain their dignity.

In the early 19th century, Taiwan officially became a province of China, Phu Taiwan (the name of Tainan at that time) was put into use. The repair and construction of the Confucius Temple is also carried out regularly. The scale of the building architecture today is said to be quite similar to this period.

After Taiwan fell into the hands of the Japanese empire, the Japanese used the Confucius Temple as a teaching school, as well as a place to support military training, causing the temple to be significantly damaged. In 1917, the building was restored by the government and is preserved until today.

Inside the temple there is also a display area of antiquities related to Confucianism and Confucius, the most famous of which is a set of earthen vases believed to have been found from his grave.

Every year, September 28 is the birthday of Confucius, the temple will have traditional music and dance performances with songs and dances praising Confucianism. Similar to Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi, Confucius Temple is also the place where candidates before each important exam come to pray for good results.

Opposite the Temple is a large stone gate built in the 18th century, named Phan Cung, stepping through this gate, you will return to the real world with a small but bustling student market. lots of snacks, milk tea shops as well as souvenirs. After visiting the Confucius Temple, don't forget to take a few minutes to explore this market.

Address: No. 2, Nanmen Road, West Central, City. Tainan, Taiwan.

Opening hours : 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM