Atlas of China
Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River 夫子庙—秦淮风光带Fūzǐmiào–Qínhuái Fēngguāngdài
Nanjing's lantern-lit Confucius Temple quarter, beside painted boats on the Qinhuai
- Best time
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Days to budget
- Half a day
- Stay in
- Nanjing
- Region
- Jiangsu
- Type
- Culture
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area
Why go to Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River
Fuzimiao, the Confucius Temple, stands on the north bank of the inner Qinhuai River at the heart of a lively district of restored lanes, snack stalls and teahouse-style restaurants. Next door, the Jiangnan Examination Hall now houses the China Imperial Examination Museum. It is the easiest place in Nanjing to combine history, street food and an evening stroll by the water.
The story
A school and Confucian shrine has stood here since the Song dynasty (the temple dates to 1034), and the area long served as Nanjing's centre of learning; the Jiangnan Examination Hall was where candidates sat the provincial imperial exams. The temple was burnt in 1937 and rebuilt from 1984, and in Ming and Qing times the river was lined with pleasure boats and poets' haunts, which is why the Qinhuai still means romance to Chinese readers.
What to see at Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River
- Confucius Temple 夫子庙: The restored temple hall and its courtyard give the district its name; the river in front of it serves as the temple's ceremonial pool.
- Zhaobi screen wall 照壁: A very long screen wall dating from 1575 faces the temple across the water, a favourite spot for photographs.
- Jiangnan Examination Hall 江南贡院: Once the largest imperial exam compound in China, it now holds the China Imperial Examination Museum, with rows of tiny candidate cells and exhibits on how the exams worked.
- Qinhuai painted-boat cruise 秦淮画舫: Boats leave from several wharves along the river, including one in front of the temple, and drift past old bridges and lantern-hung houses.
- Lantern-lit lanes 夫子庙步行街: The pedestrian streets around the temple are packed with snack stalls, craft shops and tea-houses, and come into their own in the evening.
How to visit Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River
Start with the temple and the Examination Hall in the morning, then wander the pedestrian lanes and walk along the river. The painted boat ride is short and best saved for dusk. A half-day covers the temple, the museum and a boat ride; add a late dinner if you want the lights.
How to get to Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River
About 2 km south of Xinjiekou in central Nanjing; Fuzimiao station on Metro Lines 3 and 5 is a few minutes' walk north of the temple. Nanjing South railway station is roughly 20–30 minutes away by Metro Line 3.
Where to stay
Stay in the Fuzimiao area or nearby Xinjiekou for easy evening walks along the river; Nanjing's Metro puts the rest of the city within 30 minutes.
What to eat
- Duck blood and vermicelli soup 鸭血粉丝汤: A Nanjing staple of duck blood, tofu and glass noodles in a light duck broth.
- Salted duck 盐水鸭: Cold, tender, lightly salted duck, the city's signature dish.
- Plum-blossom cakes 梅花糕: Hot, crisp-edged little cakes cooked in flower-shaped moulds with sweet fillings such as red bean, sold by street stalls.
Tips for visiting Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River
- The district is liveliest and best photographed after dark, when the river and bridges are lit; it is very crowded on public holidays and weekend evenings.
- Jinling Lantern Fair runs from Chinese New Year to the Lantern Festival and draws large crowds; allow extra time and book rooms early.
- The China Imperial Examination Museum in the Examination Hall is open every day of the week; the temple halls and the museum have their own entrances, separate from the open streets.
Nearby
- City Wall of Nanjing 南京城墙 under 10 km
The Ming capital's brick ramparts, anchored by the vast fortress of Zhonghua Gate - Purple Mountain & Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum 南京钟山风景区 under 10 km
A forested mountain on Nanjing's edge, crowned by a blue-roofed hilltop tomb - Slender West Lake 瘦西湖 70 km
A ribbon of willow-fringed water lined with the pavilions of Qing salt merchants
Also within 30 km: Zhan Garden 瞻园 (under 10 km), Former Residence of Gan Xi 甘熙故居 (under 10 km), Great Bao'en Temple Heritage Park 大报恩寺遗址公园 (under 10 km), Jinling Arsenal (Chenguang 1865 Creative Park) 金陵兵工厂旧址 (under 10 km), Jinling Scriptural Press 金陵刻经处 (under 10 km), Chaotian Palace 朝天宫 (under 10 km).
On the map
Open Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River on the map