Jianshui Confucian Temple

Situated in the northwestern corner of the county seat, the temple was built in the 22nd year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1285). After being repeatedly renovated and expanded in later generations, it now occupies an area of 114 mu (7.6 hectares). At present there are a great hall, a pavilion, a two-storeyed pavilion, two wing rooms, two central halls, three memorial halls and eight decorative archways. The buildings are set in a magnificent way, with glistening glazed-tile roofs, and the temple is considered the best of its kind in the province. The Great Hall of Magnificent Achievements (Dachengdian) in particular is the most impressive of all. The whole building is supported by 28 giant pillars, of which 20 are carved out of black marble. The two pillars supporting the eaves left and right of the gate are skillfully carved in the shape of two dragons soaring into the clouds, and is called "stone dragons entwining the stone pillar". It is regarded as a treasured artistic creation of great value. This Confucian Temple is one of the grandest throughout China and has been classified as an important cultural relic under provincial protection.