Confucius Temple
Confucius Temple in Shanghai
Confucius Temple in Shanghai Slideshow
Confucius Temple in Shanghai Photo Gallery (Downloadable Pictures)
Before this temple was founded, there was a place set aside
for Confucian study and worship in the Zitong Clan Temple in
Shanghai. When the city attained county status in 1292 (Yuan
Dynasty), a new temple dedicated solely to Confucius was
constructed. Completed in 1296, the Wen Miao Temple became
Shanghai's most important place of learning.
The Confucian Temple was moved to different locations four
times before it was reconstructed on its current site in
1855. The temple suffered major damage during the Taiping
Rebellion (mid-19th century), during which the element of
the Small Swords Society led by Liu Lichuan was
headquartered in the Ming Lun Hall of the temple. Further
damage was intentionally inflicted by Red Guard soldiers
during the Cultural Revolution (1966-76).
Most of the present buildings were reconstructed or restored
in 1999 to celebrate the 2,550th birthday of Confucius.
(Sacred Destinations Website)
