Hongdao Gate to the north of Bishui Bridge was the entrance to the Confucius Temple in the Ming Dynasty during the Hongwu 10th year (1377). Photo: CRI

Confucianism has had the most enduring and profound effect on Chinese culture. As time passed, Confucius (551-479 BC) became respected as a sage, and temples dedicated to him were built all over China as landmarks.

Located inside the south gate of Qufu in Shandong Province, the Temple of Confucius (or Kongmiao) is a group of grand buildings built in oriental style. The temple complex in the center of Qufu City was built in 478 BC. Its 466 halls, pavilions and other rooms remain intact and cover a total area of 21.8 hectares. Repeated improvements and expansions have turned the temple into a palatial complex with nine rows of courtyards.

Together with the Summer Palace in Beijing and the mountain resort of Chengde, the Temple of Confucius in Qufu is one of the three largest ancient architectural complexes in China.

Qufu was the hometown of Confucius, probably the greatest thinker, statesman and educator in China's history, and founder of the Confucian school of philosophy. The place abounds in cultural relics, of which the most famous are the Confucian Temple, Confucian Cemetery and Confucian Family Mansion.

The Taihe Yuanqi Archway shows the broad integration of ideas within Confucian thought as well as extols a great contribution towards culture. Photo: CRI

These characters each a meter in diameter were written by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the Confucius Temple at 24.8 meters high, 45.78 meters wide and 24.89 meters long. Photo: CRI

Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the temple at its core. It sits 24.8 meters (81 feet) high on a 21-meter (69-foot) base, and is the tallest building in the temple complex as well as one of the three largest ancient halls in China. Photo: CRI

Centuries-old trees stand in the Confucius Temple complex, providing a quiet place for reflection. Photo: CRI