The Crown of Prefecture-Level Confucian Temples in Fujian and the Source of Fujian's Cultural Veins

Jian'ou Confucian Temple, originally known as Jianning Prefecture School Confucian Temple, is located at No. 163, Cangchang Road, Qingyun Community, Zhishan Street, Jian'ou City, Nanping, Fujian Province. It was first built during the Jianyan period of the Song Dynasty. The Jian'ou Confucian Temple covers an area of 4,968.32 square meters. The existing Dacheng Hall was built in the eighth year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, while the two side halls and the Ji Gate were rebuilt during 1985. The central axis of the temple runs from south to north in the following order: the shadow wall, the Lingxing Gate, the Pan Pool, the Ji Gate, the worship platform, and the Dacheng Hall. The Dacheng Hall is the main hall for worshipping Confucius, with Confucius and the 'Four Associates' enshrined in the center, and the 'Twelve Philosophers' on both sides. Hanging above are three plaques inscribed with 'Model for Ten Thousand Generations,' 'Unprecedented,' and 'Culture is Here,' respectively written by Emperors Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty to commend Confucius's great contributions to ancient education. The Dacheng Hall is a nine-ridge gable and hip roof style building. The hall is 17 meters high, 31.4 meters wide, and 22.9 meters deep, covering an area of 750.46 square meters. The hall is supported by 34 nanmu pillars, including the golden pillar and the central pillar, which are 50 centimeters in diameter. The structure is rigorous, with double eaves soaring, interlocking brackets, carved beams and painted rafters, yellow glazed tiles, and a splendid golden and jade shine. The caisson ceiling and the rafters are decorated with patterns of dragons, phoenixes, unicorns, lions, elephants, etc., with auspicious clouds swirling, dragons flying, phoenixes dancing, and mythical beasts galloping, all in heavy colors and gilded. The beams of the hall are covered with various 'Suzhou-style' colored paintings, with content mostly derived from myths, legends, and historical romances, featuring vivid characters, smooth lines, and bright colors.