[Photo via VCG]

Guozijian was the highest seat of learning as well as an educational administration institution established by the state during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, also known as the "Imperial College" and the "Imperial National Academy". The main building is still well preserved after more than 700 years. Guozijian is the only well-preserved site of the highest educational institution in ancient times.

The Temple of Confucius covers an area of 22,000 sqm and has three enclosed open courtyards. The buildings on the central axis are Xianshi Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongsheng Temple. On the east side of the front courtyard stand Beiting (the Tablet Pavilion), Shenchu (the Holy Kitchen, a place used to cook food for god-worshipping in ancient times), Shengshengting (the Slaughter Pavilion, a place where animals are slaughtered for sacrifice) and Jingting (the Well Pavilion); while on the west side stand Beiting (the Tablet Pavilion), Zhizhaisuo (the Hall of Abstinence), and Chijing Gate that connects with Guozijian. 

Station: Anding Men Station

Admission: CNY 30/person for a through ticket of Guozijian and the Temple of Confucius

(Source: Official WeChat Account of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)