A Preliminary Study On Chinese Confucian Temples

The Confucian Temple is a place where the worship of Confucious is held, it is a typical Etiquettee Building and educational base in feudal histories. The Confucian Temple is one of the most common buildings as well as the most striking icon of Confucianism in each Chinese ancient city. In this era of globalization, Chinese traditional culture based on Confucianism is rediscovered and studied by people all around the world, at the same time, as the carrier of Confucianism, the Confucian Temple is highlighted again by the globe. Therefore, the reaserch of it equals to the protection and development of the Confucianism and traditional culture. Nowadays, the renovations and restorations of the Confucian Temple are deployed in different levels, these would not only benefit the protection and use of the Confucian Temple, but also create a new social value. In histories, researches have been carried out in the angle of historic development, preservation and use of the cultural relics, however, few people focus on the its model system, layout and planning. Based on the view of landscape architecture, this paper researchs and explores the Confucian Temple's architecture and layout, as well as landscape spatial feature.Based on the historic literatures and others'results, the author explores 16 Confucian Temples which are protected in different levels and sizes. To support the final results, the author uses on-site measurement, photography and interview, etc. as her research methods.To begin with, the paper builds up a platform, on which the developments, types and distributions of the Confucian Temples are presented. Then, the paper researchs the spatial elements in landscape architecture, the elements are: water-landform environment, architectural layout and planting. Besides, it researchs the Confucian Temple's pavement and cultural landscape, selection of the location, architectural model system and spatial layout; planting design, paved path and Haiman, etc. At last, referring to the protection and use of the Confucian Temple in and out of China, the paper proposes several suggestions concerning these areas. Finally, this research proposes the results as follows: The selection of the Confucian Temple's location is influenced by Chinese traditional Fengshui theory as well as Confucianism; The value of its architecture rest with its function, naming system and integrated cultural meaning; The courtyard planting is to create the solemn atmosphere which bears various cultural meanings; The pattern and class are consistent with the architectural space, even though the patterns of the paved path and Hanman are different from places to places; Landscae structures inside the Temple also bear the spirits of Confucianism. Todays, the preservation and use of the Confucian Temple should combine urban planning, old city alternation, interior constructual improvement and social need together, so as to make the Confucian Temple be an educational base for distribution of Confucianism and Chinese traditional culture.