Shiping Confucius Temple, Honghe
Overview
Shiping Confucius Temple is situated on North Zheng Street (北正街) in Yilong Town (异龙镇), Shiping County (石屏县), Honghe Prefecture (红河州). Originally established during the Yuan Dynasty (元) in the Zhi Zheng period, the temple has undergone several renovations, including significant restorations in the 22nd year of the Hongwu reign (洪武) and expansions during the Jiajing (嘉靖) and Tianqi (天启) periods. With a width of 33.75 meters and a depth of 96.33 meters, the temple spans an area of 4,257 square meters and faces south. Key architectural features include the Lingxing Gate (棂星门), Pan Pool (泮池), Dacheng Hall (大成殿), Hall of the Great Teacher (先师殿), and Zunjing Pavilion (尊经阁). The stone carvings on the Pan Pool’s railing are intricate and noteworthy. The temple is currently recognized as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
History of Development
The Confucius Temple was first constructed in the 14th year of the Zhengzheng reign (正十四年) (1354), located east of the Zhouya area. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by conflict in the 14th year of the Hongwu reign (洪武十四年) (1381). In the 22nd year of the Hongwu reign (洪武二十二年) (1389), the temple was rebuilt. The Dacheng Hall and the east and west wings underwent renovations in the 2nd year of the Tianshun reign (天顺二年) (1458), commemorated by the inscribed “Shiping Prefecture Temple Academy Record.” Major renovations took place from the 2nd year of the Jiajing reign (嘉靖二年) (1523) to the 5th year of the Tianqi reign (天启五年) (1625). In the 1st year of the Shunzhi reign (顺治元年) (1644), Governor Liu Weishi (刘维世) and Academy Head Luo Tianzhu (罗天柱) oversaw comprehensive repairs, revitalizing the temple’s appearance, which has endured various earthquakes without damage.
Structural Layout
The Lingxing Gate features a wooden and stone structure, measuring 31 meters in width, 3.88 meters in depth, and 13.5 meters in height. The central room is 4.25 meters wide and 3.88 meters deep, with two side rooms each measuring 3.6 meters wide and 3.88 meters deep. The front plaque reads “Lingxing Gate,” while the reverse bears inscriptions praising “德配天地” (Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth) and “道冠古今” (Way Tops Past and Present), written by Zhang Ruiliang (张瑞亮). On the side walls, “太和元气” (Great Harmony Vitality) is inscribed by Tu Yan (涂晫) during the Kangxi period (康熙), and “鸢飞鱼跃” (Kites Fly and Fish Leap) is by Liu Xuan (刘宣).
The east and west side doors measure 2.18 meters wide and 1.74 meters deep. The gate features a single eave hip roof design, while the side doors have a single eave hanging roof, both covered with blue tiles.
After entering through the gate, visitors arrive at Pan Pool, which is adorned with a single-arch stone bridge called the “Zhuangyuan Bridge” (状元桥). Pan Pool spans 20.2 meters wide and 15 meters deep, covering an area of 303 square meters. The stone bridge measures 2.8 meters wide and 15 meters long, with a railing height of 65 centimeters and pillar height of 160 centimeters.
Beyond Pan Pool lies Dacheng Hall, flanked by the Ming Officials Shrine (名宦祠) on the east and the Local Worthies Shrine (乡贤祠) on the west. Both structures are single-eave, hip-roof wooden buildings. Dacheng Hall measures 17.3 meters in width and 8.55 meters in depth, covering 147.9 square meters. It features five bays and three sections, with a roof topped with a glazed bottle and beast kiss (兽吻). The hall combines lifting beam and through-dou style, supported by nine beams and 24 columns, including six eave columns, with no dou-gong brackets.
Following the Dacheng Hall is the Hall of the Great Teacher, the temple’s central hall, measuring 16.73 meters in width and 10.9 meters in depth, covering 182 square meters. It features a single eave hip roof, originally topped with a glazed bottle and beast kiss, and covered with blue tiles. The hall is structured with five bays and three sections, employing both lifting beam and through-dou styles. It includes 12 dou-gong brackets and 24 supporting columns, with bases made of bluestone featuring intricate dragon relief carvings.
In front of the Hall of the Great Teacher is a terrace covering 174 square meters, with two dragon carvings flanking six stone steps leading to the hall, which are used by officials during the annual sacrificial ceremonies for Confucius’s birthday on the 27th day of the 8th lunar month.
Flanking the Hall of the Great Teacher are two wings, each with nine rooms. The eastern wing measures 30 meters in width, 6.2 meters in depth, and 4 meters in height, built as a wooden single-story structure with a tiled roof. Inside are tablets honoring Confucius’s 72 disciples. Behind the Hall of the Great Teacher is the Chongsheng Hall (崇圣殿) and the Zunjing Pavilion (尊经阁).
Cultural Relic Protection
In October 1983, Shiping Confucius Temple was designated as a second batch of state-level cultural relic protection units. In December 2003, it was recognized as a sixth batch of provincial-level cultural relic protection units, officially named “Shiping County Confucius Temple and Yuping Academy” (石屏县文庙及玉屏书院).
How to Get There
To reach Shiping Confucius Temple, visitors can travel to Yilong Town by road from Shiping County. Local transportation options include taxis and regular bus services that run frequently from the county center to the temple.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal visiting seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is most pleasant.
- Local Cuisine: Explore nearby eateries for local dishes that highlight fresh, traditional recipes unique to the region.
- Respect Cultural Significance: Maintain respectful behavior within the temple premises, especially in sacred areas, to honor its cultural importance.
- Photography Etiquette: While photography is encouraged, respect the privacy of individuals and adhere to local customs.
- Consider Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour can enhance your experience by providing insights into the temple’s rich history from knowledgeable locals.
