Gate at the Entrance to the Confucius Temple 孔庙
The first of the Three Kong’s one would encounter is usually the Confucius Temple 孔庙. There is an entrance fee to enter the three Kong’s and one can purchase a through pass which will bring you to all three. Be warned though that although the three Kong’s are right next to each other, each one of them is huge, be sure allocate enough time when visiting this place.
Entrance Gate of the Confucius Temple 孔庙
Anyway, the Confucius Temple is a temple dedicated to the number one teacher of China, Confucius. Confucius is only the English name bestowed on him by westerners. His name is actually Kong Qiu 孔丘. Since he is the great master, no one in his right mind would call him by his given name. Thus was given the name Kong Fu Zi 孔夫子 or Master Kong. Recently, this name was shortened to Kong Zi 孔子. He was born more than two thousand years ago and yet his teachings have influenced dynasty after dynasty until the modern era.
Ornate Gate at the Confucius Temple 孔庙
After his death, the Confucius Temple was built in honor of him, making it what is considered China’s oldest temple. Such was the importance of this man that some worship him as a saint. The Confucius Temple was successively upgraded and expanded throughout the dynasties until the Ming Dynasty. This might explain a lot of Ming style buildings in such an ancient location. Recently, it was elevated to the status of UNESCO World Heritage site. I shall soon find out why.
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