Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy: Exploring a 700-Year-Old Imperial Academy (The Ultimate 2026 Guide: Tickets, Transportation, and Beating the Heat)

For foreign visitors who love history and culture, Beijing has a very special place: Guozijian Street.

Here, you’ll find not only the highest imperial academy from over 700 years ago but also a temple dedicated to Confucius.

In this article, you’ll learn the stories behind each building and receive detailed travel advice.

Quick Reference Guide Before Your Trip

Item	Key Information
Admission	Full price: 30 yuan; Half price: 15 yuan; Free for visitors under 18 or over 60 (reservation required)
Free Admission on Wednesdays	Limited to 200 people; call 010-64075259 one day in advance to reserve
Opening Hours	High Season (May 1–Oct. 31): 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); Low Season (Nov. 1–Apr. 30): 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM); Closed on Mondays (except public holidays)
Transportation	Exit F at Yonghegong Station (Subway Lines 2/5), 5–8 minutes’walk; driving is not recommended
Recommended Visit Duration	3 hours
Online Booking	Trip.com or the WeChat official account “ Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy Museum ”
Inquiries	010-64042407

Guozijian Street: Beijing’s Only Historic Street with Archways

As you walk down Guozijian Street, the archways on either side will immediately catch your eye. Archways are a type of traditional Chinese gateway structure, typically built of wood or stone and adorned with exquisite painted designs.

Guozijian Street features a total of four painted archways—one at each of the street’s eastern and western entrances, inscribed with the characters “Chengxian Street”; and one on either side of the Imperial Academy, inscribed with the characters “Guozijian.”

In the past, many streets in Beijing had arched gateways, but as the city has changed, most of them have been demolished.

Guozijian Street is the only street in Beijing where these arched gateways have been preserved. Walking beneath them, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

The Dismounting Stele—a place where everyone in the past had to stop and pay their respects. Next to the “Imperial Academy” archway, you will see two white marble steles known as the Dismounting Stele.

The inscription on the stele, written in six scripts—Manchu, Chinese, Mongolian, Hui, Töte, and Tibetan—reads: “All officials and others must dismount upon reaching this point.”

This means that no matter how high one’s rank, upon arriving here, one must dismount and walk on foot to the statue of Confucius. This reflects the Chinese people’s deep-seated respect for knowledge and education.

The Temple of the Fire God—a place where students go to pray for good luck before exams. Located in the middle section of Guozijian Street, this temple was built during the Ming Dynasty and houses a statue of the Fire God, Zhu Rong.

Legend has it that students from the Imperial Academy would visit the Temple of the Fire God before exams to pray for a safe exam and inspiration while writing.

The Confucius Temple: A Tribute to the Greatest Teacher of Ancient Times

Confucius is the most revered philosopher and educator in Chinese history. The Confucius Temple was built after his death to honor his memory.

1. Steles Inscribed with the Names of Imperial Examination Graduates
—The“Wall of Honor” for Top Students (51,624 Steles)

As soon as you enter the courtyard of the Confucius Temple, you will see the steles inscribed with the names of imperial examination graduates neatly arranged. There are a total of 198 stone steles here, engraved with the names, hometowns, and rankings of 51,624 graduates from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Jinshi were those who passed the highest-level imperial examinations in ancient China, equivalent to a doctorate today. Thus, these stone steles serve as a sort of “wall of honor” for these academic achievers of the past, recording their names and accomplishments.

As you browse these inscriptions, you’ll find many figures renowned throughout Chinese history: Yu Qian of the Ming Dynasty (the great hero who defended Beijing), Yuan Chonghuan (a patriotic general of the late Ming Dynasty), Lin Zexu of the Qing Dynasty (the patriotic official who oversaw the destruction of opium at Humen)…

On a quiet afternoon, you can try “treasure hunting” among these stone steles, searching for the names of figures you’ve encountered in your studies.

2. The “Expose-the-Traitor” Cypress—A 700-Year-Old Ancient Tree That Can “Distinguish Between Loyalists and Traitors.”

As you approach the Dacheng Hall, you will see a very sturdy ancient cypress tree known as the “Expose-the-Traitor” Cypress.

Its crown is vast, with seven sturdy branches reaching vigorously toward the sky; the knots left by the passage of time resemble the weathered face of an elderly man.

There is an interesting legend behind this tree: During the Ming Dynasty, there was a minister named Yan Song who wielded great power but committed many evil deeds. On one occasion, he went to the Confucius Temple to offer sacrifices on behalf of the emperor.

According to protocol, he was only allowed to pay his respects outside the Great Hall of Achievement, but he insisted on forcing his way inside. Just as he was walking beneath this cypress tree, a strange gust of wind suddenly blew up, and a branch of the ancient cypress shot out, knocking his official cap right off his head with a loud “smack.”

Yan Song was terrified out of his wits and slunk away in disgrace. Later, when the truth came to light, he was indeed convicted of his many misdeeds.

The common people believed that this ancient cypress possessed a spirit and “could distinguish between good and evil,” so they named it the “Cypress That Strikes the Traitor.” From then on, a large growth appeared on the trunk, which, from a certain angle, bore a striking resemblance to the traitorous minister’s hideous face.

3. The Great Hall of Achievements—The Main Hall of the Confucius Temple

The Great Hall of Achievements is the most important building in the Confucius Temple and is used for worshiping Confucius.

The architecture here is truly magnificent; the golden glazed tile roofs glisten in the sunlight, creating a spectacular sight. Inside the hall, statues or spirit tablets of Confucius are enshrined.

In ancient times, only the emperor was permitted to enter this hall to pay homage to Confucius; others could only pay their respects from outside.

The Imperial Academy: The Highest Imperial Institution of Learning During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties

After visiting the Confucius Temple, you can head to the Imperial Academy next door. The layout here is known as “temple on the left, academy on the right”: on the left is the Confucius Temple, where Confucius is worshipped, and on the right is the Imperial Academy, where talent is cultivated.

In ancient Chinese cosmology, this “literature on the left, martial arts on the right” structure was highly significant.

Imagine every student at the Imperial Academy passing by the Confucius Temple each morning, paying their respects to the Sage before entering the classrooms to study the Four Books and Five Classics.

What exactly was the Imperial Academy? Simply put, it was the equivalent of ancient China’s Peking University, Tsinghua University, and the Ministry of Education all rolled into one.

Students studied Confucian classics here to prepare for the imperial examinations. Those admitted to study here were the nation’s most outstanding young people.

1. The Glazed Tile Archway—The Only Path to “Leaping Through the Dragon Gate.”

To enter the heart of the Imperial Academy, one must first pass through a magnificent glazed tile archway.

The archway is topped with yellow and green glazed tiles adorned with golden dragon patterns that glisten in the sunlight.

This archway holds special significance: it features three arched passages. In ancient times, only the emperor and the top scholar (the national champion) selected every three years were permitted to pass through the central arch.

In traditional Chinese culture, which places great emphasis on education and reveres learning, the fact that the top scholar of the imperial examinations walked the same path as the emperor was considered the highest honour.

Today, when you visit, you can walk through the central archway and experience the feeling of “leaping through the Dragon Gate.”

2. The Grand Hall of the Bi Yung—Where the Emperor Personally Delivered Lectures (A Miracle of Column-Free Architecture)

The Grand Hall of the Bi Yung is the heart of the Imperial Academy. It was constructed in 1783 by order of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and was specifically designed for the emperor to deliver lectures.

What makes this grand hall so special? First, it is built on a square platform in the center of a circular pond, with a small bridge leading to it from each of the four cardinal directions—this is the famous “Biyong surrounded by water” layout.

This design bears the imprint of ancient Chinese cosmology: the outer circle and inner square represent the cosmic principle of softness on the outside and strength on the inside; the water encircling it on all sides is not merely a scenic highlight, but also symbolizes the living spring of knowledge flowing ceaselessly in all directions.

Second, and most surprising of all: there isn’t a single pillar in the very center of the hall! According to the structural principles of ancient architecture, how could such a large building possibly lack supporting columns?

The construction was overseen by He Shen, a minister deeply trusted by Emperor Qianlong. After personally reviewing the blueprints, he realized that the four columns originally planned would obstruct the emperor’s view when addressing the assembly. Seizing the moment, he had the four massive columns removed and replaced them with a corner-braced beam structure.

This not only saved 4,200 taels of silver but, more importantly, made the entire hall appear exceptionally spacious and bright. By today’s standards, this is nothing short of a perfect, space-efficient design.

Beginning with the Qianlong Emperor, every subsequent emperor, upon ascending the throne, would come here to deliver his first lecture to the faculty and students of the nation’s highest institution of learning.

Imagine this: while the emperor sat on the Dragon Throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony as the sovereign of the realm, when he stood at the lectern in the Bi Yung, he appeared as the “Teacher of the World,” imparting the power of culture and enlightenment.

3. Yilun Hall and the“Supreme Leader.”

Yilun Hall was where the teachers of the Imperial Academy conducted their business. In front of Yilun Hall stands a fascinating artifact—a bronze ao fish, which has the head of a dragon and the body of a turtle.

In ancient times, after the imperial examinations concluded, the emperor would announce the names of the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua (the top three candidates nationwide) at the Imperial Academy.

The Zhuangyuan was the top-ranked candidate, who would stand before a statue of a giant fish to receive the emperor’s decree. This is the origin of the idiom “to come out on top” (独占鳌头).

Today, many parents bring their children here to touch the statue of the giant fish, hoping their children will “come out on top” and achieve excellent results in their exams!

Cultural Trivia

1. Why is it called the“Imperial Academy”?

“Guozi” literally means “children of the state,” referring to the offspring of the nobility and outstanding students from across the country; “Jian” was the name of an official institution in those days and carried no negative connotations.

Therefore, taken together, “Imperial Academy” means “the highest institution of learning for nurturing the nation’s future leaders.”

2. What was the Imperial Examination System?

The Imperial Examination System was an ancient Chinese system for selecting officials that lasted for over 1,300 years.

Students had to pass through a series of exams: county-level, prefectural-level, academy-level, provincial-level, national-level, and palace-level. Those who passed the Jinshi (Doctoral) exam were the cream of the crop, selected from among tens of thousands. The “Zhuangyuan” was the top-ranked candidate nationwide.

3. Why did Emperor Qianlong place such a high value on education?

Emperor Qianlong was a very famous emperor of the Qing Dynasty (reigned 1735–1796). He personally ordered the construction of the Biyong Hall, and whenever a new emperor ascended the throne, he was required to come here to deliver lectures.

In ancient Chinese tradition, emperors were not merely rulers; they also bore the moral responsibility of preserving and passing down culture and classical texts.

Practical Guide (Information You Can Follow Step-by-Step)

Ticket Information

• Ticket Prices: Full-price tickets are 30 yuan per person (approximately $4.20); half-price tickets are 15 yuan per person.
• Free Admission Policy: Visitors under 18 and over 60 are admitted free of charge, but reservations are required.
• Wednesday Special: Every Wednesday, 200 visitors are admitted free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations must be made by phone one day in advance (on Tuesday). Phone: 010-64075259.

Booking Methods (Foreign-Friendly):

1. WeChat Official Account: Search for “孔庙和国子监博物馆” (Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy Museum), then select “Ticket Services” from the menu to purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased for the current day and the next two days; available dates are updated daily at 7:00 PM.

2. On-site Purchase: Tickets can also be purchased on the day of your visit by scanning the QR code at the museum entrance or at the ticket counter.

3. English-language booking channels: Tickets are also available on English-language platforms such as Trip.com. Simply search for “Temple of Confucius and Guozijian Museum.”

Booking Tips: Reservations can be made up to 7 days in advance. Each day is divided into two time slots: 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 12:00 PM–4:30 PM, with a capacity of 4,000 visitors per slot. If you plan to visit during peak season, it is best to book your tickets a week in advance.

Best Time to Visit (Avoiding Peak Crowds)

Best Times of Day:

• Right after opening at 9:00 AM: The lighting is excellent, there are the fewest visitors, and it’s perfect for taking photos. Wisteria flowers look their best in the morning light.
• 4:00–5:00 PM: Warm sunlight bathes the red walls, creating a particularly beautiful scene, and the crowds begin to thin out.

Best Days of the Week:

• Try to avoid weekends. The site is closed on Mondays, and weekends are the busiest.
• Visit Tuesday through Friday for significantly fewer crowds.

Best Seasons of the Year:

• Late April to early May: This is the best time to see the wisteria at the Confucius Temple! The entire courtyard is adorned with clusters of purple blossoms, creating a stunning sight.
• September to October: The weather is cool, and the red walls and yellow tiles against the blue sky make for excellent photo opportunities.

Special Notes:

• The May Day holiday (May 1) and National Day holiday (October 1–7) are extremely crowded; try to avoid these dates.
• Don’t rush through the site. We recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace so you can truly appreciate the charm of this ancient academy.

Recommended Itinerary (3-Hour Leisurely Tour)

There are no steep slopes, and the paths are easy to walk. If you get tired, just take a break under one of the ancient trees:

Jixian Gate (Entrance) → Taixue Gate → Glazed Archway → Biyong Hall → Yilun Hall (Touch the “Ao Tou” Statue) → Dacheng Hall of the Confucius Temple → The “Exposing Corruption” Cypress → Stele of Successful Candidates → Jingyi Pavilion

If you want to see all the highlights in one go, you can start at the Confucius Temple, visit the Stele Forest and the “Exposing Corruption” Cypress, and then head to the Imperial Academy to see the Biyong Hall.

Budget Guide (Per Person)

Item	RMB	USD (approx.)
Admission	30 RMB	$4.20
Round-trip Metro	10 RMB	$1.40
Snacks / Water	20–50 RMB	$2.80–$7.00
Total (approx.)	60–90 RMB	$8.50–$12.50

Note: This covers only admission and basic transportation costs. If you plan to visit the nearby Yonghe Temple or dine in Wudaoying Hutong, the cost will be higher.

Suggested Nearby Attractions (One-Day Itinerary)

Guozijian Street is ideally located and can be combined with nearby attractions for an in-depth day trip:

• Yonghe Temple: A 5-minute walk away, originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng, later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery
• Wudaoying Hutong: Home to a cluster of artsy cafes and creative shops, it’s quieter than Nanluoguxiang

Recommended Itinerary:

• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy (enter as soon as it opens)
• 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch in Wudaoying Hutong
• 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Yonghe Temple
• After 4:00 PM: Stroll through the hutongs and relax at a café

Things to Know Before You Go

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (the entire route is paved with stone slabs, and your feet will get tired after walking for a while)
• Water and snacks (there are no shops selling food inside; you’ll have to go outside the main gate to find any)
• A portable charger (Navigating on your phone and taking photos drains the battery quickly)
• A small notebook (you might just find a name on the Stele of Successful Candidates that resonates with you)

Language Communication (For International Visitors)

• Staff primarily speak Chinese; we recommend installing a translation app in advance (Google Translate or Youdao Translator).
• Common Chinese phrases (save as screenshots):

Scenario	Chinese Sentence
Asking for Directions	Excuse me, how do I get to Jixian Gate?
Finding a Location	I want to go to the Bi Yong Hall.
Asking About Tickets	How much are the tickets?
Asking About Guided Tours	Are there English-language guided tours available?

• There are English versions of the signs within the scenic area, so you’re unlikely to get lost.
• You can save the Chinese names—Confucius Temple, Imperial Academy, and Bi Yong—on your phone in advance.

Photography Tips

• For the best photos, wear light-colored clothing (white, light blue, or light pink) and stand in front of the red wall.
• When the wisteria is in bloom, standing beneath the flowers creates a scene of timeless beauty.
• Between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m., the setting sun casts its light on the glazed tiles, creating a stunning golden glow.

FAQ

Update Information

This is the latest guide for 2026, updated in May 2026. Ticket prices, opening hours, and reservation policies have all been verified.

Official Contact Information:

• Confucius Temple and Imperial Academy Museum Phone: 010-64042407 (Chinese service)
• Beijing Municipal Government Service Hotline (English support available): +86 10 12345