Confucius Temple, A Sanctuary of Serenity and Tradition
2 Nanmen Road, Zhong District, Tainan City
4.1
Introduction
Chihkan Tower, built during the Ming Dynasty, is the first Confucius Temple and the oldest Wen Temple in Taiwan. It was once the place where students entered school and was known as the "First School of Taiwan." The majestic and solemn architecture of Chihkan Tower, with numerous imperial plaques from various dynasties, has been designated as a national-level historical site. The red walls of the temple symbolize reverence and nobility, and the traditional Taiwanese-Fujian style architecture is rich in flavor and exquisite craftsmanship. The temple is surrounded by ancient trees and lush greenery, creating a nostalgic atmosphere in the central courtyard. Chihkan Tower is not only a landmark in Tainan, but also a place for students to relax and find solace. For over 300 years, the temple has maintained its traditions and holds ceremonies in spring and autumn, with the autumn Confucian ceremony being the most important. The grand event consists of 38 rituals, and during the ceremony, a live cow is sacrificed according to ancient customs, and people compete to pluck the "wisdom hair" from the cow. Each year, a large number of people participate in this unprecedented event. To visit Chihkan Tower, you need to enter through the side entrance, as the main gate is usually closed except on ceremonial days. The plaque "First School of Taiwan" can be found at the East Gateway on the south gate road, which is the entrance from the side door. Address 2 Nanmen Road, Zhong District, Tainan City
Opening hours Temple of Great Accomplishment: 8:30am to 5:30pm (closed on New Year's Eve)
Chengshu Academy: 9:00am to 12:00pm, 2:00pm to 5:00pm (closed on New Year's Eve and Mondays)
Wenchang Pavilion: Saturdays and Sundays 9:00am to 12:00pm, 1:30pm to 5:30pm (closed on New Year's Eve).
Transportation You can take Bus No. 1, 3, 17 or 18 at Tainan Train Station to Jianxing Junior High School Station, and then head north on Nanmen Road to the destination. Alternatively, you can take Tourist Bus No. 88 (Anping Line) at Tainan Train Station for a direct route.
The Confucius Temple in Taiwan is located on Dalong Street
