- Tainan Confucius Temple: From Sacred Ground to Cultural Heritage, Touching the Roots of Confucianism in Taiwan

Tainan Confucius Temple, honored as "Taiwan's First Academy," is the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan and well worth a visit. Here's a travel guide: - Basic Info: Located at No. 2, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, closed Mondays. Full ticket NT$25, half-price ticket NT$12. - Transportation: From Tainan Railway Station, take bus routes 1, 3, 16, or 17 to Jiansing Junior High School stop, then walk along Wensheng Road and turn left onto Nanmen Road. - Highlights: Features traditional Chinese Confucian temple architecture with Southern Fujian-style elements—red walls, yellow glazed tiles, and ornate ridge decorations with Koji pottery and cut-paste artistry. The main gate "Dacheng Arch" bears the plaque "Taiwan's First Academy." The main hall Dacheng Hall enshrines Confucius' tablet with imperial plaques from Qing Dynasty emperors Kangxi to Guangxu. Minglun Hall, once a lecture venue, now displays Confucian artifacts. The three-story Wenchang Pavilion honors the God of Literature. - Cultural Events: On September 28 (Confucius' birthday), grand memorial ceremonies with ancient rituals like gate-opening, deity-welcoming, and ceremonial dances are held. Yicheng Academy regularly hosts Confucian lectures and scripture-reading activities. - Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Tainan Literature Museum, Martial Temple, and Chihkan Tower. Don't miss local delicacies like Du Hsiao Yueh danzai noodles to savor Tainan flavors. - Tips: As a sacred site, maintain quiet respect for local customs. Do not touch or damage cultural relics.