Location & Transportation

Dujiangyan, a historic city near Chengdu, is famous for its ancient irrigation system and cultural gems like the Dujiangyan Confucius Temple. This temple, tucked away at 8-52 Wenmao Street, Dujiangyan City, sits quietly at the foot of Panlong Mountain in the northwest of the city. It’s easy to reach: take a high-speed train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Dujiangyan Station (just 30 minutes), then a short taxi or bus ride to the temple. If you’re exploring the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the temple is only a 15-minute walk away—perfect for combining both attractions in one trip!

Natural Scenery

The temple’s setting is pure poetry. To its left stands Wenbi Hill (also called Golden Turtle Hill), while the majestic Yulei Mountain rises to its right. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the temple’s gates, and autumn paints the hills in fiery reds. The nearby Qingxi River adds a calming soundtrack, making it a peaceful escape from bustling crowds. For panoramic views, climb up Panlong Mountain—the trails here are less steep than other parts of Dujiangyan, so it’s manageable even for casual hikers.

Cultural Heritage

The Dujiangyan Confucius Temple isn’t just old—it’s a window into Confucian wisdom. Once the largest county-level Confucian temple in western Sichuan, it covers 47 acres (about 3 soccer fields!). Wander through halls filled with statues of ancient scholars, intricate carvings of dragons, and towering stone tablets etched with classical texts. The main hall, dedicated to Confucius, feels grand yet cozy, with sunlight streaming through wooden lattice windows. Don’t miss the small museum inside, which uses simple English explanations to explain how Confucian ideas shaped local education and ethics for centuries.

Highlights Nearby

Just a stone’s throw from the temple lies the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a marvel of ancient engineering. While the temple celebrates culture, this 2,000-year-old irrigation network showcases human ingenuity. Visit the Baopingkou Gate to watch water rushing through channels that still feed farmlands today. For a spiritual contrast, head to Erwang Temple (a Taoist shrine) nearby—it’s a fun way to compare Confucian and Taoist architecture in one day!

Practical Tips

The temple opens daily at 9 AM and closes around 5 PM. Tickets are cheap (around ¥20) and rarely crowded, so you can take your time. English signage is limited, but friendly staff often lend a hand. Nearby, Wenmao Street transforms into a lively market at night, where you can sip Sichuan tea, try dan dan noodles, or buy handcrafted souvenirs. If you get hungry, the local Ma Po Tofu at the street-side stalls is a must-try—just beware the numbing spice!

Immersive Experience

Visiting the **Dujian