Sitting side-by-side on Guozijian Street — one of Beijing's last few intact historic streets, complete with original Qing-era ceremonial archways (paifang) — these twin compounds were the empire's highest educational institution for over five centuries. The Confucius Temple, built in 1302, hosted emperor-led ceremonies twice a year to honor Confucius. Inside you'll find 198 stone steles inscribed with the names of all 51,624 scholars who passed the imperial exams (jinshi) from 1313 to 1904. Next door, the Imperial College (Guozijian) trained the empire's elite — the Biyong Hall in the center, surrounded by a circular moat, is where emperors personally lectured the students. The site is far quieter than Yonghe Temple next door, and the original cypresses (some 700 years old) make for a contemplative afternoon. Combined ticket covers both.

Address

13 Guozijian St, Dongcheng District, Beijing

东城区国子监街13号

Highlights

Stone Steles of Scholars (进士题名碑)198 steles with names of 51,624 imperial exam graduates 1313-1904
Biyong Hall (辟雍殿)Where Qing emperors lectured; surrounded by a circular moat
Guozijian Street Paifang (国子监街牌楼)Original Qing-era ceremonial archways still in place
Ancient Cypresses (古柏)Some 700 years old; quiet contemplative atmosphere
Pair with Yonghe Temple10-minute walk east; one ticket, one neighborhood, two sites

For foreign visitors

English service: partial english
Cards accepted: cash_only
Booking / entry: not needed
Best time: Weekday afternoons, combine with Lama Temple visit
Wi-Fi: none
Transit access: metro direct

Photos

What travelers say (5 reviews)

David K.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Combined ticket gets you the Confucius Temple plus the Imperial Academy next door. The 188 stone tablets carved with examination essays are incredible.

2026-03-05

Anna P.·Google Maps·5/5

Quietest historic site I visited in Beijing. Most foreign tourists skip it — go in the morning and you'll have ancient cypress trees to yourself.

2026-01-19

国子监粉丝·Xiaohongshu·5/5

国子监辟雍殿是中国唯一的皇家学府讲学场所，太美了。秋天银杏叶飘落更出片。

2026-04-02

Tom L.·Ctrip·4/5

Right next to Lama Temple — combine both in one morning. About 30 RMB combined ticket.

2026-02-14

ScholarTraveler·YouTube·5/5

The Forest of Stelae here predates the more famous one in Xi'an. Bring a guide if you can — the carvings are dense and untranslated.