As we know, Confucius Temples are found in many cities and towns in China, of course Nanjing is of no exception. However, the Confucius Temple in Nanjing is so special that you have to must go there to see it because it has been the center of culture, commerce and life for the citizens of the city since its founding in the early 11^th century in the Song Dynasty.

The Temple lies on the north bank of Qinhuai River, which was built in the early 11^th century and had been destroyed many times in throughout history. In 1034 (the Song Dynasty), it was enlarged into 3 architectural complexes and has been the commercial and cultural center ever since. In front of the temple, an 110-meter long stone and brick screen wall had been built on the southern bank to form a semi-circle around the river. It is the longest screen wall in China. There are also Lingxing Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, Kuixing Tower and Juxing Pavilion within the temple. In 1985,the government of Nanjing City rebuilt the street by the river in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and turned the Imperial Academy into a commercial and entertainment place with tea houses, restaurants, movie theatres, opera theatres, peddler markets and many other kinds of recreational facilities.