Discovering Confucius' legacy through travel (3)

Glazed gateway at Imperial College Guozijian Beijing 2010 [Photo by Bruce Connolly/chinadaily.com.cn]

In the mid-1990s I lived along a traditional Beijing hutong, a short walk from Lama Temple or Yonghegong. Even at that time the temple could be busy, as it was a popular destination with international tour groups. Nearby sat Beijing's Confucian Temple or Kong Miao, and the adjacent former Imperial College. Throughout several dynasties that school was the national center of administration for learning in a very traditional educational system. It included the teachings of Confucius and a very strict examination requiring intensive personal study.

During my early years exploring the area, the temple was often quiet. I found it excellent for relaxation and reflection. Its crimson-colored buildings represented a grand Ming Dynasty architectural style although construction initially dated from 1302 during the Yuan period. After Qufu, it is China's second-largest Confucian temple. Today classes on early Chinese culture including Confucian philosophy, calligraphy, music and more are held within some of its smaller halls.

I would go on to discover more of the Confucian influence, for example in urban planning and even the layout of Beijing's Forbidden City. "In practicing the rules of propriety, it is harmony that is prized. This is what is so precious in the ways of ancient kings," Confucius wrote.

In 2017, I visited Pingyao in Shanxi province. From the walls still enclosing the Old Town I looked across to the sloping roof of its Confucian temple, known as 'Wenmiao'. Founded as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-908 AD), it is one of the oldest and best preserved structures of its kind in China. It was a personal joy to stay in a hotel built in the historic Chinese style and literally adjoining the temple.