Jiading Confucius Temple
A serene Confucius Temple and the Shanghai China Imperial Examination Museum, offering historical insights and picturesque pond views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ensure entry before closing.
Jiading Confucius Temple
Best Time
Ensure entry before closing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Confucius Temple and the Shanghai China Imperial Examination Museum, offering historical insights and picturesque pond views.
"Highly informative exhibits on imperial exams, but be mindful of strict closing times."
🎯 Last Admission Alert
Aim to arrive before 4:30 PM, as staff may refuse entry close to 5 PM closing.
🏛️ Dual Attraction
It's both a Confucius Temple and the Imperial Examination Museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Imperial Examination Museum
Discover the history of China's ancient civil service exams. Highly informative!
Confucius Temple Architecture
Explore the serene temple grounds, a testament to traditional Chinese architectural style.
Huilongtan Pond
Enjoy the picturesque pond adjacent to the temple; rowboats are available for rent.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Last Admission Alert
Aim to arrive before 4:30 PM, as staff may refuse entry close to 5 PM closing.
🏛️ Dual Attraction
It's both a Confucius Temple and the Imperial Examination Museum.
🌳 Peaceful Pond Views
Rent a rowboat on Huilongtan Pond for a relaxing experience.
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Wisteria blooms can create a poetic scene, especially in spring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Last Admission Alert
Aim to arrive before 4:30 PM, as staff may refuse entry close to 5 PM closing.
🏛️ Dual Attraction
It's both a Confucius Temple and the Imperial Examination Museum.
🌳 Peaceful Pond Views
Rent a rowboat on Huilongtan Pond for a relaxing experience.
🌸 Seasonal Beauty
Wisteria blooms can create a poetic scene, especially in spring.
🗣️ Multilingual Info
Descriptions are available in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Jiading Confucius Temple and its integrated Imperial Examination Museum to be a well-maintained and informative site, offering insights into China's educational history. While the temple is free and the museum engaging, some travelers have encountered issues with staff enforcing closing times strictly, leading to denied entry shortly before the official closing hour.
"The bad review is for the staff's behaviour.
The park officially closes at 17:00, and people are allowed to go in until 16:30.
I showed the staff the sign with the closing time written on it, but he didn't want to understand the concept of "last admission time".
Every employee at the entrance starts closing everything and refuse us to entry at 16:29.
No matter if the trip from downtown takes one hour, no matter you have to circumnavigate the entire park to reach the entrance, no matter if you are not chinese and that is the only time in your life you can visit that place, you'll waste your time for their unpleasant and lazy behaviour.
The staff should have just to ensure that people go out within 17:00, but they preferred to stop us from having even a look of few minutes, just for laziness.
If the local administration wants tourists to come here, check you staff behaviour first!"
Marina Mastronardi
"Nice place to drop by. With description in English as well."
miewsim
"Very informative exhibit about the imperial examination"
Johannes Stahl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Travel from downtown Shanghai can take about an hour. Public transport options are available, but confirm routes and travel times before you go to avoid delays.
Yes, it is accessible by public transport, though the journey from downtown Shanghai can take approximately one hour.
Consider a taxi or ride-sharing service for a potentially faster, though more expensive, journey from downtown Shanghai.
Information on specific parking availability is limited, but it's advisable to check local parking apps or inquire upon arrival if driving.
The temple is located near Huilongtan Pond, which offers boat rentals, making it a good combination for a half-day outing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Confucius Temple itself is free to visit. However, there might be separate charges for specific exhibits or activities like boat rentals on Huilongtan Pond.
The park officially closes at 5:00 PM, with the last admission typically allowed around 4:30 PM. It's crucial to arrive before this cutoff.
While the official closing time is 5:00 PM, some visitors have reported being denied entry as early as 4:29 PM due to staff preference for early closing.
As the temple is generally free, advance booking is usually not required. However, it's always a good idea to check for any special events or temporary changes in policy.
Be aware that staff may refuse entry shortly before the 5:00 PM closing time, regardless of the official last admission time posted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Confucius Temple, visit the Shanghai China Imperial Examination Museum with its informative exhibits, and enjoy the scenery around Huilongtan Pond. +1
Yes, the museum is highly praised for its very informative exhibits on the imperial examination system, offering a deep dive into China's educational history.
Yes, there are English descriptions provided, making the exhibits and historical context accessible to international visitors.
The temple and its grounds are generally well-maintained, with many management personnel ensuring a pleasant environment.
Yes, rowboats are available for rent on Huilongtan Pond, offering a pleasant way to enjoy the waterside views.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the traditional temple architecture, the serene Huilongtan Pond, and any seasonal blooms like wisteria for picturesque shots.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to look for signage within the museum or ask staff if photos are permitted, especially without flash.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic opportunities. However, be mindful of the closing times.
Look for the intricate roof designs, the temple courtyards, and the reflections in Huilongtan Pond for unique photographic perspectives.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and cultural sites. It's highly unlikely to be permitted and could lead to confiscation or penalties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Imperial Examination Museum: A Glimpse into China's Past
Exhibits often include replicas of examination materials, historical documents, and explanations of the Confucian principles that underpinned the examinations. It's a chance to understand the deep-rooted emphasis on education and scholarship in Chinese culture. Many visitors find the displays incredibly informative, providing context for much of China's historical development and its enduring respect for learning.
This museum is more than just a collection of artifacts; it's a window into the intellectual heart of imperial China. It highlights how a system, despite its flaws, aimed to select officials based on merit, influencing governance and social mobility for over a thousand years. The integration within the Confucius Temple adds a layer of reverence, connecting the pursuit of knowledge with the veneration of Confucius himself.
Navigating Entry and Staff Etiquette
It's crucial to plan your visit to arrive well before 4:30 PM to avoid disappointment. While the temple itself is free and well-maintained, this aspect of the visitor experience has been a point of contention. Understanding that local customs or internal policies might differ from what's explicitly written can help manage expectations.
For those who do manage to enter, the temple and museum are generally described as pleasant and informative. The key takeaway is to be proactive about your arrival time and be prepared for potential rigidity with closing procedures.
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