Confucius Temple Introduction
The origins of the Taoyuan Confucius Temple can be traced back to 1985, when local figures such as Shih Wan-Chuan and Chien Chi-Piao initiated its construction to promote Confucian teaching and Eastern culture, serving as a place for worshiping Confucius. Completed in 1989 at Huto Mountain, it is the last officially established Confucius temple in Taiwan. The most distinctive feature of the Taoyuan Confucius Temple is the statue of Confucius in a standing posture, unlike other Confucius temples that only have spirit tablets, adding to its aesthetic value. Known as the "Eastern Socrates," Confucius embodies the roles of educator, philosopher, and politician, with his great teachings, such as universal education, filial piety, loyalty, and righteousness, as well as relevant texts such as the Six Classics, the Analects, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean, which have significantly influenced Chinese culture and reached Northeast and Southeast Asia, even receiving attention from modern Western democratic scholars. Visiting the temple allows one to deeply appreciate the beauty of Chinese architecture; the main part of the temple, the Hall of Great Achievement, is modeled after ancient Chinese palaces, featuring an overhanging roof design, detailed paintings, and layered brackets that showcase a robust ambiance. The golden-red glazed tile roof's owl sculpture represents Confucius's spirit of "universal education." The Grand Achievement Gate in front of the hall has striking red doors without the traditional door gods, alluding to the Analects where it states, "The Master does not speak of strange powers, disorders, or gods." The 108 door nails symbolize Confucius's high honor and dignity. The Confucius Temple integrates both worship and education, distinguishing it from typical religious temples. Inside the temple, various ritual vessels and musical instruments are made following ancient customs. On September 28 each year, the city government hosts a grand ceremony to honor Confucius, where students perform rituals and present musical offerings with the Da Ya dance, gathering the public for a solemn and grand occasion.
