Within the city walls, the Confucius Temple is actually a cluster of temples that occupy about a fifth of the city center. The 466 buildings cover more than 50 acres, making this one of the largest architectural complexes left from ancient China, comparable to Beijing's Forbidden City or Chengde's Summer Resort. The Hall of Great Achievements is one of the most ornate of the temples; don't miss its 28 stone pillars carved with dragons. The courtyards are full of gnarled trees and the many memorial halls are interesting because of the fine calligraphy, stone columns, and old furnishings on display. The complex is at the top of the list of places to visit, so you're likely to find a crowd.
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