Nanjing's Fuzimiao Confucian Temple

 There are quite a few temples around, Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist.  We've posted previously on the Buddhist Temple in Suzhou.  While in Nanjing we got a chance to visit the Confucian temple, called Fuzimiao.  The photo above shows the statue of Confucius that greets you in the temple's courtyard.  On the building behind is draped a banner which says "Solemnly Celebrate the 2562th Anniversary of Confucius' Birth".  We're not sure whether 2562 is an auspicious number or whether every year is a solemn celebration.

 The temple complex dates way back, first built on this location 1000 years or so ago.  I'm sure the current buildings are much more recent than that.  But there is a sense of history there.

 Surrounding the main shrine (above) are scenes of Confucian life, carved from jade and colorful stone (below).  The detail is impressive and the faces are amazingly realistic.

 As with the Buddhist temples, there were many red prayer ribbons left as offerings on the trees and altars at Fuzimiao.  As the photo below shows, they've even added red bows to the temple dogs as decoration.

 The highlight of the temple visit was a performance of traditional music.  We've heard traditional music before, but this was the first time we'd seen a performance that included bells.  The photo below shows you the rack of temple bells that were used.  It required three people to play them - two standing behind to strike the small bells with hammers, and one standing in front to strike the bass bells with a large pole.

 The Fuzimiao temple is surrounded by a pedestrian shopping area.  You can get a rickshaw ride there, if you want.  Though, as the photo below shows, not too many people seemed to want a rickshaw ride on the day we visited.