Tainan Confucius Temple
臺南孔子廟
Built in 1665 by Zheng Jing, son of Koxinga, this “First School in Taiwan” is the first Confucius temple in Taiwan, China. Its red walls, old trees and Qing-era plaques make it the most peaceful historic site in the old capital.
Tainan Confucius Temple stands on Nanmen Road in the Central West District. Zheng Jing, son of Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong), built it in 1665 on the advice of Chen Yonghua. It was the first Confucius temple in Taiwan, China and the earliest government-run school, which earned it the nickname “First School in Taiwan.” It is now a national monument. The complex follows the traditional “school on the left, temple on the right” layout. On the right, the Hall of Great Achievement enshrines Confucius's tablet. Its interior hangs plaques presented by Qing emperors from the Kangxi to Guangxu reigns and by later leaders of Taiwan, China, making it the most complete collection of imperial plaques among the island's Confucius temples. On the left, the Hall of Ming Lun was once used for lectures, and inside it stands a stele inscribed with the Great Learning in calligraphy by Zhao Mengfu. The grounds also include the Wenchang Pavilion, the Gate of Propriety and Path of Righteousness, the Pan Pond and several centuries-old banyan trees. Admission to the Hall of Great Achievement area is NT$40. The rest of the grounds are free, and locals and students often rest under the trees, which gives the place a relaxed atmosphere. Every year on Teachers' Day, September 28, a dawn ceremony honoring Confucius (the Shiyi rite) is held, featuring the liuyi dance and ancient rituals. You can arrange to watch in advance. Across the road, Fuzhong Street is a short lane lined with candied-fruit shops, craft boutiques and cafés. Nearby are Tainan Art Museum 2, a white geometric building, Lin Department Store and the Ye Shitao Literature Memorial Hall. Together they make a half-day walking route. Getting there: it is about a 15-minute walk from Tainan Station, or take bus No. 2 to the “Confucius Temple” stop. From Chihkan Tower, it is a 10-minute walk. Notes: the Hall of Great Achievement closes at 17:30, parts of the site are closed for maintenance on Mondays, and visitors should not touch the plaques or tablets.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Tainan Art Museum
- Museum of Taiwan Literature
- Hayashi Department Store
- Tainan Judicial Museum
- Koxinga Shrine
- Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple
- Grand Mazu Temple
- Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia)