Tonghai Confucius Temple in Tonghai County, Yuxi

OVERVIEW｜Confucian Sanctuary of Southern Yunnan ??

Tonghai Confucian Temple, originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (circa 1309), relocated during the Ming Wanli era to its current site, preserves most buildings from the Qing Kangxi and Yongzheng periods, with a history spanning 300–700 years.
Situated at the northern foot of Xiushan Mountain in the south corner of Tonghai County, covering 12,000 sqm, it is the largest and most complete Confucian temple in Yunnan, hailed as the core landmark of the “Cultured and Ritualistic Southern Yunnan.” ✨

LOCATION｜Coordinates & Transport ?️?

Address: No. 18 Shuncheng Street, Tonghai County, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province

From Kunming South High-Speed Rail Station: 125 km, 1.5 h by high-speed train ? to Tonghai Station + 10 min taxi ?

From Yuxi City: 45 km, 40 min by car ? (via Yujian and Tongjian Expressways)

Bus: Tonghai County routes 1 and 2, get off at “Wenmiao Station,” 2 min walk ?‍♂️

Parking: Free parking lot ?️ for 150 vehicles and designated bus area outside the temple

ARCHITECTURE｜Four Courtyards & Eight Scenic Areas Along the Central Axis ?️?

Red Wall Screen (65 m long, 8 m high): One of the longest temple screens in China ?

Pan Pond & Zhuangyuan Bridge: Crescent-shaped pond symbolizing “endless sea of learning” ??

Civilization Archway (built in Yongzheng 11th year): Four pillars, three bays, elegant dougong brackets; known as “Southern Yunnan’s #1 Archway” ?

Lingxing Gate to Dacheng Gate: Stone steps and cypress-lined imperial road ??

Dacheng Hall: Single-eave hip roof, five bays wide, intricately carved beams and painted rafters; enshrines Confucius, Four Assessors, and Twelve Wise Ones ?

East & West Wings: Ancestral halls honoring local scholars and officials, displaying historical records of 44 Ming-Qing imperial exam successful candidates and over 230 provincial scholars from Tonghai ??‍?

Chongsheng Shrine & Zunjing Pavilion: Worship Confucius’ ancestors and serve as ancient library and lecture halls ?

Loyalty & Filial Piety Shrine: Extends Confucian values of loyalty and family devotion ❤️?

CULTURE｜Experiential Confucian Activities ??

Morning Bell & Evening Drum: Daily at 08:30 and 17:00, traditional bell ringing ceremony ??

Calligraphy Initiation & Coming-of-Age Ceremonies: Available on weekends and holidays by appointment; wear Hanfu ?, practice writing “人” (person), apply cinnabar mark ?️

Stone Rubbing: On-site rubbing of five Ming-Qing steles including the “Rebuilt Tonghai School Record” (¥20 per sheet) ?️

Guqin Concerts: Regular free performances on Dacheng Hall’s terrace by appointment ??

Confucius Commemoration Ceremony: Sept 28, participants wear ritual costumes, offer flower baskets ?, recite “The Great Learning” ?

PLAY GUIDE｜2-Hour Highlights Route ??

Entrance → Red Wall Screen photo spot ? → Pan Pond ? → Civilization Archway ? → Blessing at Dacheng Hall ? → Visit Local Scholars’ Hall ?‍? → View Ancient Town from Zunjing Pavilion ? → Stone rubbing in Stele Gallery ?️ → Exit via Cultural Gift Shop ?

ACCOMMODATION｜Stay in the Ancient Town ??

FOOD & SOUVENIR｜Taste & Takeaways ??

Well Water Tofu: Made from ancient spring water behind the temple, ¥3 per block ?

Tonghai Sweet White Wine: Smooth and mellow, available in small jars for take-home ?

Cultural Souvenirs: Rubbing journals, top scholar pens ✒️, Confucius bookmarks—all available in the temple gift shop ?️

Jilu Lake Silverfish: Signature local delicacy from the “One Lake Two Mountains” region ?

EVENTS｜Annual Cultural Calendar ??

March: “Calligraphy & Wisdom” Spring Study Week ?️

May: “Reciting Classics under Civilization Archway” Poetry Festival ?

Sept 28: Global Confucius Day Tonghai Main Venue ?

October: “Top Scholar Culture Festival” — parades ? and imperial examination reenactments ?

PRICE & OPEN｜Tickets & Hours ?️⏰

Entry: Free all year round ✅ (group guided tours ¥100/group, book 1 day in advance)

Opening Hours: 08:30–17:30 (entry stops at 17:00) ?

Guided Tours: Fixed times at 09:00 / 10:30 / 14:00 / 15:30, free public tours ?

Parking: Free outside ?️; bus groups must notify in advance ?

TRAVEL TIPS｜Helpful Hints ??

Dress Code: Please remove hats and avoid slippers inside Dacheng Hall; Hanfu rental for photos ¥30/set ?

Photo Spots: Wide-angle shots at Civilization Archway front and Dacheng Hall flying eaves side ?

Accessibility: Barrier-free from entrance to Dacheng Hall; stroller and wheelchair friendly ♿

Nearby Attractions: 200 m to Xiushan Park ?; 3 km to Jilu Lake ?; combine for a half-day tour

Connectivity: 5G coverage ?, supports WeChat and Alipay

CALL TO ACTION ?❤️

When the ancient bells toll gently beneath Xiushan Mountain,
you will hear 700 years of Confucian legacy echoing through time. ?⏳

Save this guide and share it with those who want to wear Hanfu and walk the Top Scholar Bridge together! ??
See you at Tonghai Confucian Temple in 2025! ?