Kaohsiung Confucius Temple in Zuoying: Gate of Great Accomplishment (大成門)

An elegant structure with a single hip-and-gable roof, the Gate of Great Accomplishment, otherwise known as the Dacheng Gate (大成門), is the entrance to the heart of the temple complex. 

In ancient times, the main door of the Gate of Great Accomplishment of a Confucius Temple would only ever be opened during a visit from the emperor or when an official who was ranked first in the imperial examination came to worship. These days, the memorial ceremony for Confucius held on September 28 is the only time this door is opened during the year.

Inside the interior of the gate is the temple drum and bell, which are also used during the memorial ceremony.

You can also fill in a prayer card and after reciting your wishes to the spirit tablet of Confucius in the Great Hall of Accomplishment and hang it on the wall for the venerable sage’s attention. No doubt this is particularly popular among students preparing for the modern-day equivalent of the Imperial examination system.