The Confucian Temple [Wulumuqi]

The Confucian Temple, its main gate facing south, is located on Qianjin Road in Urumqi. The structures remain on the whole, intact, though the exterior is in a state of decay. The structures standing in the north of the temple are the front hall and the drum-bell tower. The temple, which has a floor area of nearly 1,000 square meters, was built when the new Dihua City (now the city of Urumqi) was extended by the government of the Qing Dynasty. It was named Palace of Longevity in 1884 when Xinjiang Province was established. Later on, it was renamed Zhao Zhong Temple (Temple of Showing Loyalty) in order to cherish the memory of the officers and men fell in the battles to recover Xinjiang. After the Revolution of 1911, it was named Temple of God. Since 1944, it has been called Confucian Temple and memorial ceremonies are held here for Confucius.