Taipei Confucius Temple Introduction
The Taipei Confucius Temple began construction in 1927 and is located in the culturally vibrant Dalongdong Old Street. Under the urban renewal plan initiated by the Taipei City Government, it forms a cultural area in Dalongdong together with Dalong Elementary School and Bao'an Temple, embodying multiple significances as a ceremonial venue, a symbol of Confucianism, and a designated historical site. The architecture of the Taipei Confucius Temple follows the style of the main temple in Qufu, with uncarved beams, columns, doors, and windows that appear simple yet solemn. The layout sequentially includes the Wanyuan Palace Wall, the Pan Pond, the Lingxing Gate, the Ceremony Gate, the Dacheng Hall, and the Chongsheng Shrine. Notably, all the columns, doors, and windows in the temple are devoid of couplets, which is said to represent a lack of audacity to flaunt one's writings before Confucius, the Greatest Sage. Due to its grassroots construction, in addition to adhering to certain forms and specifications, regional decorative styles have been incorporated, particularly the unique Jiaozhi ceramics and paper-cut decorations of the Minnan region, with Jiaozhi ceramic decor being a distinctive feature among Confucius Temple architectures in Taiwan. The main hall, Dacheng Hall, houses the spirit tablet of Confucius, the Greatest Sage, in the center altar, above which hangs a black plaque with golden characters proclaiming “You Teach Without Discrimination.” On the walls to the left and right are the spirit tablets of his four disciples (Yanzi, Zengzi, Zisi, and Mencius) and twelve philosophers, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The ambiance of the temple offers a beauty of reverence and solemnity, reflecting the upright spirit of Chinese Confucian culture. Furthermore, the rich Jiaozhi ceramic waterwheel decorations in Dacheng Hall are a unique characteristic among all Confucius Temple architectures in Taiwan, worthy of careful appreciation for their artistic beauty. Though the temple does not feature many deities or ritual implements, it does possess several ceremonial vessels and musical instruments crafted according to ancient traditions. During the annual sacrificial ceremony held on September 28th, performances of music and dance take place, along with offerings of animals and wine to honor Confucius, attracting numerous visitors from both domestic and abroad and providing an opportunity to experience the solemn atmosphere of traditional Chinese sacrificial ceremonies. In recent years, the Confucius Temple has actively revitalized the historical site, establishing exhibition rooms and multimedia display areas which allow for a deeper understanding of the temple's beauty and the ceremonial vessels and instruments used during the sacrificial rites. A unique display center for the bayin instruments has also been set up, allowing visitors to listen to the diverse sounds of these instruments with just a gentle press of an illustration, ranging from deep tones to bright and high-pitched sounds, enabling them to experience the sound of traditional bayin instruments even during regular visits. Furthermore, the temple has developed a multilingual guide system in Mandarin, English, Japanese, and Korean to serve visitors from various countries. Moreover, the Confucius Temple frequently organizes innovative activities that combine traditional and modern arts, including the annual Dalongdong Cultural Season events, which enhance the understanding of ritual culture and promote Confucianism, bringing in new waves of visitors to the temple. Additionally, a 4D virtual reality theater is set up in the Minglun Hall of the Confucius Temple, using advanced imaging technology to narrate the historical evolution of the temple and highlight Confucius' life events through an immersive experience, allowing the audience to understand the stories of Confucius and the temple. This not only adds an element of fun but also continues to convey the educational significance that the temple represents in a new and engaging format.
