Three Major Palatial Architectural Complexes in China

Confucian Temple in Qufu

During the Spring and Autumn period, Qufu was the capital of the Lu State and the birthpalce of the world-famous thinker Confucius. It possesses abundance of cultural relics and historic sites, of which, Confucian Temple, Confucius Residence and Confucian Woods are the most famous. Confucian Temple is one of the three palatial architectures in China, which houses a large number of steles and other cultural relics. Confucius Residence covers 120000 sq. metres and is a magnificent mansion only next to imperial palace of the Ming or Qing Dynasties in scale. This temple is located in Shandong Provice.

Confucian Woods, the cemetery for Confucius and his descendants, has a history of over 2300 years, covering more than 200 hectares.

Map of Confucian Temple in Qufu

-Click here to view it in a new window(90kb)

Daimiao Temple in Taishan Mountain

Towering in the central part of Shandong Province, Mt.Taishan, with its elevation of 1545 metres above sea level, is the first of China's five sacred mountains and one of the national major famous scenic areas. In1987,MtTaishan was listed in the World Natural and Cultural Heritages by UNESCO. Taishan Mountain is located in Shandong Province.

In history, emperors and many scholars stepped on the mountain to view its magnifi cent scenery,having left quite a many famous poems and inscriptions.

The main scenic spots are Wangmu ( Heavenly Mother ) Pool, Doumu Palace, Jingshi ( Sutra Rock ) Valley, Heilong (Black dragon)Pool,Shanzi(Fanshaped)cliff,Changshou(Longevity)Bridge.Daimiao Temple, situated in Tai'an City at the southern foot ofthe mountain, was first built in the Han Dynasty, and large-scale additions were made during the Tang and Song Dynasties. It is a key cultural heritage under state protection.

Mt.Taishan Map

-Click here to view it in a new window(161kb)

Imperial Palace in Beijing

Situated in the centre of Beijing proper, Palace Museum was once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ,occupying an area of 720000m*m . It consists of many magnificent palaces and halls ,encircled by a 3000meter-long city wall and a moat.