Seven-story pagoda

There is a seven-story pagoda in the center of the ridge which is said to have the power of driving away evils.

Tungtien pillar or Tungtien cylinder

There is one cylindrical Tungtien pillar or Tungtien cylinder at each end of the ridge of the Dacheng Hall. And there are hornless dragons on them and sea-tortoises below them. It is said that this is to commemorate that Confucius is the model of perfection. Another legend says that it is to commemorate the bamboos that were used to hide books when Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of Qin, ordered the books to be burnt and scholars to be buried alive.

Water dragons

There are water dragons and weed decorations in the sloped ridge of the Dacheng Hall. It is said that the water dragon can quell Chu lung, the fire god, and so guard against fire.

Imperial road

There is an imperial road inlaid in the wall of the platform in front of the Dacheng Hall. The imperial road is an honorable place on which no one can step. A cloud dragon, with one claw clutching a pearl and another grabbing a seal, looks askance at everything.

The platform of stone

The platform in front of the Dacheng Hall is also called Tanchih. Every Confucius temple has this platform serves as the stage for Yi Dance, performed in the Confucius Ceremony.

The wooden structure of Dacheng Hall

Above the beams in the Ta Cheng Hall, a lot of brackets were used to support the plafond, which is in the middle, and the ceiling around it. The entire structure is put together with tenons and not one nail has been used.

Octagonal plafond

There is an octagonal plafond and 24 brackets in the Dacheng Hall. Because it looks very much like a spider web, old craftsmen called it "the web." There is a bate in each of the four corners. In Chinese, 'four bats ' sounds like ''giving fortune ''.

Owl

The owl is quite fierce in its nature. It was originally one of the fiercest birds. However, there goes a legend about the owl. It says that when a flock. of owls flew over the place where Confucius was teaching, they were moved and perched to listen to the teaching. The owls on the roof of the Dacheng Hall exactly illustrate the all encompassing characteristic of Confucius. He teaches without any discrimination.

Quitting Office to Seek for Mother

This is a famous story of the Song Dynasty about Zhu Shou-chang who was noted for his filial love for and devotion to his mother. Source:Beauty of the Koji Pottery Art-Taipei Confucius Temple

Playing Clown to Entertain Parents

This is a story adapted from "The Twenty-four Models of Filial Piety of Ancient China" telling about a 72-year-old man called "Old Lai-tzu" who showed filial love to his aged parents by always making them smile and laugh to become healthy and happy. Source:Beauty of the Koji Pottery Art-Taipei Confucius Temple

Zhou Emperor Wen Inviting Zi-ya to Serve as Premier

In this picture, Emperor Wen, escorted by Wu-ji, is seen waiting patiently for the response of Jiang Zi-ya, who is relaxed fishing at the riverside of Wei Shui, as if nothing happened. Moved by the sincerity and perseverance of the emperor, who treasured his talent, Zi-ya finally accepted the job offer and became a great premier of his times. Source:Beauty of the Koji Pottery Art-Taipei Confucius Temple

Emperor Yao Appointing Shun Successor

This work depicts Emperor Yao, accompanied by his ministers and guarded by his military officers, visiting Shun at Li Shan. Emperor Yao notes that Shun is working hard with his elephant in the farm. Legend goes that Shun had won high regards for his filial piety and fraternal love for his brothers, but, was often badly treated by his father and younger brother. Thus, Shun underwent much suffering at his childhood. Luckily, he was later in the good graces of Emperor Yao, who recognized and valued his ability and talent, married his two daughters off to Shun, and offered him important positions for political services. Source:Beauty of the Koji Pottery Art-Taipei Confucius Temple