Confucius Temple is the only temple complex in Shanghai that is dedicated to this great thinker of antiquity. It was built in 1294. The temple was originally used as an educational institution.
The building was destroyed and rebuilt many times. It finally got its modern look in 1995, when the last major reconstruction of the temple was made.
The Confucius Temple building is a concentration of wisdom, harmony and absolute tranquility. Everything here disposes one to relax and think about the eternal, and it is as if time flows slower in the temple.
Walking around the temple, you can see the statue of Confucius himself, as well as several Buddhas. Stone sculptures in the courtyard tell visitors about the life and art of ancient times. There is also a twelve metre high pagoda on the temple grounds.
Inside the temple, visitors are invited to purchase a leaflet on which they can write their wish. The leaflet must then be placed with the others and await the fulfilment of the wish. It is believed that Confucius will help everyone.
At the end of the tour you can visit the tea house on the territory of the temple. Here a Chinese woman in traditional dress conducts a tea ceremony for all those who wish to plunge into the atmosphere of ancient traditions.
Among other things, on the territory of the temple there is a book market, which is the largest in Shanghai. And next to it is a street where every Sunday there is a sale of different books.
