1. Overview
The Confucius Temple-Qinhuai Scenic Belt (南京夫子庙-秦淮风光带) is Nanjing’s iconic cultural-tourism zone, spanning 4.69 km² along the Inner Qinhuai River. Designated a 5A scenic area in 2010, it integrates:
- Historic sites: Confucius Temple (1034 AD), Ming-era Zhonghua Gate, and Jiangnan Examination Hall (China’s largest imperial exam venue).
- Natural beauty: The "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" riverfront, lined with traditional boats and stilted houses.
- Modern vibrancy: Night markets, food streets, and annual Qinhuai Lantern Festival.
2. Key Attractions
- Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao): Built in the Song Dynasty, this temple honors Confucius and features Dacheng Hall (with a 6m-tall Confucius mural) and the Imperial Examination Museum.
- Qinhuai River: The "Mother River of Nanjing" divides into Inner/Outer Qinhuai. Cruise past landmarks like Taoye Ferry and Li Xiangjun’s Former Residence.
- Jiangnan Examination Hall: Once the world’s largest exam center, producing 58% of China’s Ming-Qing状元 (top scholars).
- Old Streets: Gongyuan Street and Wuyi Lane (aristocratic lanes of the Six Dynasties).
3. Cultural Highlights
- Lantern Festival: Held during Chinese New Year, the area transforms with silk lanterns and performances.
- Cuisine: Sample "Qinhuai Eight Delicacies", including duck blood soup and sesame cakes.
- Folk Arts: Baiju opera, paper-cutting, and Nanjing cloud-pattern brocade displays.
4. Historical Significance
- Six Dynasties (220–589 AD): Aristocrats like Wang Xizhi (calligrapher) lived here.
- Ming-Qing Era: Became a scholar-gentleman hub and entertainment district ("Six Dynasties’ Gold Dust").
- Modern Restoration: Rebuilt in the 1980s after WWII damage, now a UNESCO-listed heritage candidate.
5. Visitor Tips
- Best Time: Evenings for boat rides (18:00–22:00) or spring for festivals.
- Access: Free entry (temples/museums charge ¥30–80). Metro Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station.
