Heqing Confucius Temple in Dali
Overview
Heqing Confucius Temple (鹤庆文庙), located within Heqing No. 1 Middle School (鹤庆一中) in the southwest corner of Heqing County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省), was established in the eighth year of the Yuan Dynasty (1271). The original site of the temple was Yuanhua Temple (元化寺), which was relocated to its current site in the 29th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1396). The entire area covers more than 30,000 square meters.
Heqing Confucius Temple preserves the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty (明代). The main building, Xianshi Hall (先师殿), also known as Dacheng Hall (大成殿), features a two-story, double-eaved hip roof with flying eaves and dougong brackets. Arranged along the central axis from south to north are the screen wall (照壁), the pond (泮池), the Dacheng Gate (大成门), and the Xianshi Hall. The Xianshi Hall is centered, with various structures including the Dan Platform (丹墀台), Dacheng Gate, Lingxing Gate (棂星门), pond, Li Gate (礼门), Yi Gate (义门), large screen wall (大照壁) in front, and Qisheng Palace (启圣宫), Minglun Hall (明伦堂), and Zunjing Pavilion (尊经阁) behind. The east and west sides contain the East and West Wings (东庑, 西庑), famous officials shrine (名宦祠), local sages shrine (乡贤祠), Xingxian Fang (兴贤坊), Zhengyi Study (正谊斋), Mingdao Study (明道斋), professors’ office (教授室), guidance room (训导室), lecture hall (讲堂), and dining hall (馔堂), all arranged symmetrically. There are also a lotus pond (莲池), stone hill (石山), and a Celery Picking Pavilion (采芹亭) within the temple grounds.
Heqing Confucius Temple holds historical, artistic, and scientific significance and is important for studying the architectural features and styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (明清时期).
In December 1987, Heqing Confucius Temple was announced as a key provincial-level cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government (云南省人民政府).
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 鹤庆文庙 (Heqing Confucius Temple)
- Location: Heqing No. 1 Middle School, southwest corner of Heqing County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Area: 30,000 m²
- Cultural Heritage Level: Third batch of provincial-level key cultural relic protection units in Yunnan
- Dynasty: Ming Dynasty
Historical Evolution
- In the eighth year of the Yuan Dynasty (1271), Heqing established a temple school, but its location was not at the current site. The current site was originally Yuanhua Temple (元化寺).
- In the 15th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1382), the temple was destroyed by war.
- In the 29th year of the Hongwu era (1396), the local magistrate Gao Zhong relocated the temple to its current site.
- In the 12th year of the Zhengtong era (1447), Governor Lin Qiuji expanded the temple.
- In the second year of the Zhengde era (1507), Governor Liu Jue oversaw the construction of the Zunjing Pavilion.
- In May of the 10th year of the Zhengde era (1515), the Zunjing Pavilion collapsed due to an earthquake.
- In the 11th year of the Zhengde era (1516), Deputy Envoy Zhu Gun converted Yuanhua Temple into a temple school, and Governor Wu Tang carried out repairs.
- In the second year of the Longqing era (1568), Governor Zhou Ji relocated the temple entrance to the south, excavated the pond, and added decorations.
- During the Wanli era (1572–1620), officials such as Jiang Xin, Governor Sang Jingchu, Governor Chen Daoyuan, and Qi Rudong conducted multiple repairs on the temple.
- In the Tiangui era (1621–1627), Censor Cai Kan, Supervisor Shao Mingshi, and Governor Chen Kaitai rebuilt the temple, which gradually fell into disrepair afterward.
- In the winter of the fourth year of the Chongzhen era (1631), the temple was affected by a disaster.
- In the fifth year of the Chongzhen era (1632), Lijiang local magistrate Mu Zeng provided support for the rebuilding of the temple.
- In the third year of the Kangxi era (1664), Acting Vice Magistrate Wang Zongzhou repaired the temple.
- In the 22nd year of the Kangxi era (1683), the temple was ordered to be rebuilt.
- In the 23rd year of the Kangxi era (1684), Governor Li Zuoyi and Educator Ma Zhihua further repaired the temple.
- In the 25th year of the Kangxi era (1686), Professor Xie Yan and Educator Dong Bening repaired Wenchang and Kuixing Pavilions.
- In the 28th year of the Kangxi era (1689), Governor Lu Congyi established Le Wusheng and held sacrifices, along with maintenance of the temple.
- In the 40th year of the Kangxi era (1701), Governor Ai Rulin, Vice Magistrate Tong Zhen, and Professor Xiong Zhaoyi relocated the Chongsheng Shrine to the back of the main hall and rebuilt Minglun Hall behind the shrine.
- In the 45th year of the Qianlong era (1780), the prefecture conducted repairs on the main hall and two wings.
- In the 11th year of the Daoguang era (1831), Prefect Shao Baochuo led local gentry Zhou Tianxiang and Zhao Yudan in continued repairs; however, he left office before completion, and Huang Jizhong completed the work.
- During the Guangxu era, the temple underwent further repairs.
- After 1949, the temple suffered damage during land reform, the Cultural Revolution, and the “2·3” earthquake.
- In December 1951, the Lingxing Gate (灵星门) collapsed due to an earthquake and was converted into a basketball court for Heqing No. 1 Middle School. Since then, the temple has been used by the school.
- During the Cultural Revolution, the commercial sector built a state-run hotel in the temple, dividing it into northern and southern sections.
- After 1986, the government conducted several repairs on Heqing Confucius Temple, restoring its original appearance.
- Since 1997, the Yunnan Province, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and Heqing County governments have invested nearly 10 million yuan to complete repairs on Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, Lingxing Gate, screen wall, pond, and more, adding Taihe Yuqi Fang and a statue of Confucius.
Architectural Layout
Heqing Confucius Temple covers an area of over 30,000 square meters and preserves the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty. The main building, Xianshi Hall (先师殿), has an area of 2,400 square meters. The central area of the main hall features a cloud-dragon stone carving embedded in the center of the imperial platform. Additionally, there are four wooden carvings of coiled dragons supported between the first and second floors of the hall, appearing to dance and play with pearls. Inside the hall, there are four columns that can be embraced by two people; these tall and sturdy columns are made of high-quality materials, with two of them said to be made of fragrant nanmu wood. A pair of couplets inscribed by Emperor Qianlong (乾隆) (replicas) hangs on the central column: “气备四时，与天地日月鬼神合其德；教垂万世，继尧舜禹汤文武作之师” (The spirit encompasses all seasons, harmonizing with heaven, earth, sun, moon, and spirits; education transcends generations, following Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, and Wenwu as teachers).
Cultural Relics
Stone Tablets
There are three existing stone inscriptions within Heqing Confucius Temple:
- “Zunjing Pavilion Tablet” (《尊经阁碑记》) established in the second year of the Zhengde era (1507).
- “Rebuilding Heqing Academy Tablet” (《重修鹤庆府学庙碑记》) established in the 29th year of the Qianlong era (1764).
- “Newly Built Yuping Academy Tablet” (《新修玉屏书院碑记》) established in the 19th year of the Guangxu era (1893), written by Yang Jinkai, calligraphed by Zhao Heling, and engraved by Yang Zhaoqing.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Name Origin
The Confucius Temple is a shrine dedicated to commemorating and worshipping Confucius (孔子), a Chinese thinker, politician, and educator. Throughout different historical periods and regions, it has been known by various names, such as Confucius Temple (夫子庙), Temple of the Most Sacred (至圣庙), and Dacheng Temple (大成殿), all signifying its central theme of revering Confucius and promoting Confucianism.
Role in Education
Heqing Confucius Temple serves as an essential educational and cultural venue, where local scholars gather to hold examinations, lectures, and academic discussions. It played a significant role in the dissemination of Confucian culture and the education of local youths, contributing to the moral and cultural development of the area.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Heqing Confucius Temple is a critical site for preserving and studying the architectural, historical, and cultural heritage of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The temple attracts scholars, researchers, and tourists, providing a window into the rich cultural history of Yunnan Province.
Contemporary Usage
Today, Heqing Confucius Temple is used not only for educational purposes but also as a venue for cultural events, festivals, and ceremonies celebrating Confucian teachings, promoting traditional Chinese culture, and fostering community ties.
Visiting Heqing Confucius Temple
Visitors to Heqing Confucius Temple can explore its beautiful architecture, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds, and participate in cultural activities. The temple is also an excellent spot for photography, with its historical structures and serene landscapes providing a picturesque backdrop.
Additional Information
- Access: Visitors can reach Heqing County by public transportation from Dali City. The temple is located within Heqing No. 1 Middle School and is open to the public.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, as the weather is pleasant for outdoor exploration.
Heqing Confucius Temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Yunnan Province, reflecting the influence of Confucianism in Chinese society. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and educational role make it a noteworthy destination for anyone interested in Chinese culture and history.
