Confucian Temple, Hangzhou

The Confucian Temple, also known as the former prefectural school, stands on a site with over 1,300 years of history dating back to the Tang dynasty. It became important during the Southern Song period, around 1131–1132, when it served as the Lin’an Prefectural School. For centuries, it worked as both a Confucian temple and an academy for keju exam candidates. The complex seen today mainly reflects Qing dynasty design and restoration completed in 2008.

The layout follows a clear central axis, common in Confucian schools. Visitors pass through gates and courtyards, including the Lingxing Gate and the Panchi, a crescent-shaped pond linked to learning and exams. At the center is the Dacheng Hall, the main ceremonial building, with a statue of Confucius and a double-eaved roof, once used for official rituals and academic events.

One of the most notable features is the Stone Tablet Forest, which contains more than 500 stone inscriptions. These include parts of the Southern Song Stone Scripture and tablets naming scholars who passed the highest imperial exams. Together, they show the site’s strong link to learning and public service. Today, the area is quiet, with signs explaining its role in traditional education and Confucian thought.