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Confucius Temple

2025-10-22
886-3-3325215
桃園市桃園區公園路42號
The origin of Taoyuan Confucius Temple dates back to 1985 (Minguo 74), when local residents such as Shi Wanquan, Jian Qibiao, and others initiated the construction of the temple in order to promote the Confucian educational philosophy representing Eastern culture and as a site for worshipping Confucius. Completed in 1989 (Minguo 78) on Houtu Mountain, it is the last official Confucius temple in Taiwan. The unique feature of the Taoyuan Confucius Temple is the statue of Confucius in a standing posture, which differs from the usual tablet-style representation found in other Confucius temples, making the temple worth visiting for appreciation. Referred to as "Socrates of the East," Confucius is revered simultaneously as a philosopher, educator, and statesman. His profound doctrines, such as "teaching without distinction," "filial piety," "fraternal duty," "loyalty," "trustworthiness," "benevolence for the people," and love for all things, and his emphasis on rites and music, as well as relevant documents like *The Six Classics*, *Analects*, *Great Learning*, and *Doctrine of the Mean*, have not only greatly influenced Chinese culture but also extended far into Northeast and Southeast Asia. Even modern-day Western scholars of democracy hold these teachings in high regard. Visiting the Confucius Temple allows one to deeply appreciate the beauty of Chinese architecture. The most crucial part of the temple, the "Dacheng Hall," is modeled after ancient Chinese palaces with a double-eave design and elaborately painted elements, with bracket sets displaying a robust and solemn style. The golden and red glazed tile roofs are crowned with a carved owl, symbolizing Confucius's philosophy of "teaching without distinction." The "Dacheng Gate" in front of the Dacheng Hall features prominent red door panels, but unlike traditional temples, there are no door gods painted on them, indirectly alluding to the phrase in the Analects, "The Master remained silent about strange forces and chaos." The 108 copper door nails on the gate symbolize the reverence and dignity enjoyed by Confucius. Unlike ordinary religious temples, the Confucius Temple combines "temple and academia" as one, having dual functions for both worship and education. The temple houses various ritual and musical instruments made in accordance with ancient customs. Every September 28th, the city government hosts the Confucius Ceremonial Rites to pass on the wisdom of Confucianism, with ritual officials performing traditional ceremonies, the "eight-yi dance" performed in accordance with the Confucian rituals, and crowds of people gathering for the solemn and dignified celebration.
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