CONFUCIUS TEMPLE

It is the largest Confucian temple in Eastern China. Built in 1219 under the Southern Song (their capital was located in Hangzhou). The balustrade at the entrance to the temple is decorated with 72 stone lions, each in a different posture represents the 72 Confucius disciples. The temple still has the three stone porticos: that of High Aspirations (Yuan Times), the Promotion of Sages (Ming Times) and the Formation of Hopes (Qing Times). The seven giant stone turtles keep the entrance, bear the annals of the temple inscribed on their backs. The Temple examinations room gives a good idea of the system of imperial exams. The temple consists of numerous stelas and tablets with inscriptions of great maîtres from past centuries.