The Confucian Temple, a folk Confucian temple in the old city of Shanghai, is similar to the original temple of Confucius in his hometown Qufu, but on a smaller scale. The temple, first founded during the Yuan Dynasty, is located on Wenmiao Road in Huangpu District. 

Here, it would enchant you by its solemnity and serenity, rendering an experience of a silent pause in this restless city. It was the most prestigious learning institution of the county when Shanghai, once a small fishing village, was elevated to the status of a county seat, as in ancient times a Confucian Temple was typically a combination of temple and school. Nowadays, this well-well-tended temple has become a modest and tranquil retreat for the visitor in both domestic and international level.

Dating back to 1855, In the following centuries, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The only remaining item of the original structure on the grounds is a three story pagoda near the entrance.

There are three courtyards in the temple. The first courtyard consist of Jiexiao Hall, Minglun Hall and Panchi Pond, all of which are well-preserved. Over Panchi, there is a bridge, whose archways were built with stone dragon and lion heads. Through the carved stone arch - Lingxing Gate, the second courtyard reveals, where are Kuiwen Tower for storing books bestowed by emperors, and Zunjing Tower for storing scriptures. Both towers were of multiple-eave roofs.

The third courtyard is the central of the Confucius temple, including the Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and bell and drum towers. The Dacheng Hall is the main building to worship Confucius with a huge bell weighing 1.5 tons in the southeast of the hall, named Dacheng Bell and made with exquisite techniques. The shoulders of the bell are carved with dragon patterns of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC), and there are four couples of dragons encircling shining pearls towards each other on the lower rim of the bell. There are also carved a painting depiction of Confucius' journey made up of 24 orderly lined carriages. It's said that the sound of Dacheng Bell is loud and mellow, and can last as long as 3 minutes. In front of the main door of Dacheng Hall in the open-air, there is a bronze statue of Confucius, holding a sword. Entering the hall, visitors can view the statues of the famous sage and his outstanding disciples. On the beam are hung three tablets inscribed by the emperors of the Qing Dynasty(1644–1911). Visitors can also admire the Confucian Analects of 16,400-character carved on 52 bluestones inserting into the eastern and western walls , which is unique among all of the Confucius temples in China. 

Shanghai Confucius Temple Fair

In virtue of its profoundly cultural background, significative cultural activities are hosted here. At the end of a year, a traditional temple fair is held. For instance, a bell tolling ceremony is held in front of the statue of Confucius in the temple, pray for the students' resolution to study hard. In the Sky and Cloud Reflection Pond, people make wishes by holding candles and setting free turtles and fishes. In Dacheng Gate Square and in the Minglun Hall, there are performances by folk artists ; on the square in front of the Zunjing Tower, riddles guessing appeals to the guests.

Old Book Market in Shanghai Confucius Temple

The Wenmiao Market lies around the temple, which opens every Sunday morning and hosts a temple fair. A book and periodical market is located in the northeast corner of the temple, imitating the book houses of the Ming and Qing (1368–1644) Dynasties. Lavish books and periodicals, including cartoons, swordsman novels, and magazines ranging from the ancient times till present day, are enticing for the intellectuals in Shanghai will gather here in an enless stream. Now it is the site of one of the biggest book markets in Shanghai. Visitors can also select antiques, paintings, ancient coins, and stamps in the stores nearby, in the building styled with the architectures of the Confucius temple.