Fengyi Confucius Temple in Dali City
Fengyi Confucius Temple (凤仪文庙), also known as Zhao Prefecture Confucius Temple (赵州文庙), is located in Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), specifically at the West Street (西街) in Fengyi Town (凤仪镇). It was first established in the 18th year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1385) and was rebuilt in the 12th year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1886). Today, it serves as the Fengyi Cultural Center (凤仪文化站).
Historical Overview
Fengyi Confucius Temple originally had an east-west layout, facing West Street to the east and backed by the Zhao Prefecture city wall to the west. The original layout included the following features from east to west: the Great Screen Wall (大照壁), the Pan Pool (泮池), the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), the Great Success Gate (大成门), the Great Success Hall (大成殿), the Sutra Repository (藏经楼), and the rear palace (后宫). Currently, only the Great Success Gate, Great Success Hall, two side wings, and the Sutra Repository remain, with the rest having been destroyed or dismantled. Fengyi Confucius Temple is noted for its well-preserved structure, high architectural quality, and significant historical and scientific value. In December 2003, it was designated as a key provincial cultural heritage site by the Yunnan Provincial Government.
Architectural Layout
Originally, the temple’s layout was oriented east-west, with the eastern entrance facing West Street. The structure included several important buildings, including:
- Great Screen Wall (大照壁)
- Pan Pool (泮池)
- Lingxing Gate (棂星门)
- Great Success Gate (大成门)
- Great Success Hall (大成殿)
- Sutra Repository (藏经楼)
- Rear Palace (后宫)
The existing structures include the Great Success Gate, Great Success Hall, two side wings, and the Sutra Repository.
Major Buildings
- Great Success Gate (大成门): A three-bay entrance with a single eave hanging gable roof, reconstructed in 1986.
- Great Success Hall (大成殿): A five-bay hall with a single eave hip roof, measuring 23 meters wide, 18.5 meters deep, and approximately 13 meters high, featuring two entrances.
- Sutra Repository (藏经阁): A three-bay building in a lofted style.
Cultural Relics
The temple houses two ancient steles, including:
- A “Reconstruction of the City Record” from the third year of the Hongzhi period (1490) by Governor Zhang Yanshou (张延寿).
- A “Memorial Stele of the Ding Building for Wenchang” from the fourth year of the Kangxi period (1665).
Historical and Cultural Significance
Fengyi is today known as Dali Town (大理一镇). Historically, it was eligible to establish a Confucius Temple, as it served as the seat of Zhao Prefecture, which governed both Fengyi Town and Midu County (弥渡县), thus holding a higher status than regular counties.
Heritage Protection
Fengyi Confucius Temple has been recognized as a cultural heritage site on several occasions:
- September 1985: Designated as a key municipal cultural heritage site by Dali City Government.
- December 1987: Designated as a key state-level cultural heritage site by Dali Prefecture Government.
- December 2003: Recognized as a key provincial cultural heritage site by Yunnan Provincial Government.
The protection area includes boundaries defined by the Great Screen Wall (currently the Lingxing Gate), the southern eaves of the south wing, and the main road to the west.
Travel Information
Location
Fengyi Confucius Temple is situated at West Street (西街) in Fengyi Town (凤仪镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省).
How to Get There
The temple is approximately 16 kilometers from the Dali City Government. Driving takes about 30 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Explore nearby attractions to enrich your cultural experience.
- Consider learning about the local customs and history for a more immersive visit.
