Jieyang Confucius Temple

Updated 2026-04-21

The largest Confucian temple in Guangdong and the second largest in China where scholarship meets revolutionary history

Jieyang Confucius Temple, also known as 揭阳学宫 (Academy of Jieyang) , or 红学 (Red Study) , is one of the 3 great academies of Guangdong . It was first built nearly 900 years ago under the Southern Song Dynasty (1140) but the existing buildings date largely from a major reconstruction under the Qing Dynasty (1876) .
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### The complex

The temple covers approximately 16km² and consists of 21 individual buildings making it the largest, most complete, and best-preserved historical building complex of its kind in the Lingnan region (southern Guangdong) including :

- 1/ The spirit screen wall at the entrance
- 2/ The main gate
- 3/ The half-moon pond, symbolizing the Confucian ideal of half-learning
- 4/ The gate leading to the main hall
- 5/ The central hall housing statues of Confucius and his disciples, the heart of the temple
- 6/ Rear hall honoring Confucius's ancestors (also houses the Zhou Enlai exhibition)
- 7/ The scripture pavilion
- 8/ East and West Corridors, flanking halls
- 9/ East and West Study Rooms, auxiliary academic buildings
- 10/ Minglun Hall, historically used for lectures and scholarly discussions
- 11/ Hometown Worthies Shrine, to honore local sages
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History

Cradle of Jieyang's Millennia-Old Culture

For over 880 years, Jieyang Confucius Temple served as the highest official academy of ancient town, a place for both worshipping Confucius and training scholars for the imperial examinations . Under the influence of early Confucianism, Jieyang has cultivated a deep respect for education.

Jieyang Confucius Temple is not only a cultural landmark but also a site of revolutionary significance. It was an important base for the early activities of the Chinese Communist Party in Jieyang, a place where revolutionary ideas spread and the spark of revolution was lit.

About Zhou Enlai

Zhou Enlai(1898–1976) was a key figure in the early leadership of the People’s Republic of China serving as Mao's first Premier (Chinese equivalent for PM) from 1949 until his death.

He played a major role in shaping China’s foreign policy, including diplomacy during the Cold War and participation in the Bandung Conference. Known for his pragmatism and political skill, he helped stabilize the government during turbulent periods and remains widely respected in China for his dedication, moderation, and diplomatic abilities.
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#### Photography of Zhou Enlai, Public Domain

Zhou Enlai and the Red Political Power

During the Great Revolution period, Zhou Enlai 3 times lived and worked in the Chongsheng Shrine (6) of the temple where, he :

• Founded the Jieyang County Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Committee the first red political power in Jieyang
• Participated in commanding the First and Second Eastern Expeditions of the National Revolutionary Army
• Organized the Nanchang Uprising

For those reasons, in 1978 , Jieyang Confucius Temple was officially named the Former Site of Comrade Zhou Enlai's Revolutionary Activities , and it still the only cultural heritage site in Guangdong renamed after his coming.

### Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday closed
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Nearby Attractions

• Jinxianmen
• Gurong Wu Miao
• Chenghuang Temple

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