The Gaotang Confucian Temple, also known as the place where Li Kuchan read books in his youth, is located on the northwest bank of Yuqiu Lake. It was once named Qisheng Shrine and also known as Wenchang Palace. It was a place where Confucius was enshrined in the past and also a school in past dynasties. It was first built during the Yuan Zhiyuan period. In 1370 (the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty), 1709 (the 48th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty), and 1742 (the seventh year of Qianlong), it was renovated and expanded many times. The main building is Dacheng Hall. The hall has five bays in width and four bays in depth, covering an area of 275 square meters. It is a Xieshan-style building. In addition to three rhombuses built with yellow and green glazed tiles on the front and back of the main ridge at the top, the rest are all gray tiles. The brackets under the eaves are all decorative accessories, not solid brackets that bear weight. Obviously, it is in the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. The Gaotang Confucian Temple is where Li Kuchan received artistic enlightenment in his youth. On the lintel of the door of Dacheng Hall, there is a huge plaque inscribed by Qi Gong with ‘The Place Where Li Kuchan Read Books in His Youth’. Inside the hall are displayed the desks and stools where Li Kuchan read books in his youth, the paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones he used after becoming famous, as well as some paintings and calligraphy works and data pictures. The specific business hours and opening status are subject to the opening situation on that day.
