The Imperial College, or Guozijian, is located just to the west of the Temple of Confucius. It was the highest institution of learning in the from 1279 to 1911 and is where students wishing to become officials would sit their examinations. Built in 1784, the Biyong Hall, the main structure in the Guozijian complex, was opened to the public in spring 1998. The hall is the place where the emperors gave lectures on the classics. When an emperor was enthroned, he would first pay homage to Confucius at the Temple of Confucius, then go to Imperial College to give a short speech on Confucianism or other traditional Chinese classics.

For photos of Imperial College (Guozijian), click here!