These characters each a meter in diameter were written by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the Confucius Temple at 24.8 meters high, 45.78 meters wide and 24.89 meters long. [Photo by Zhong Lei]

Dacheng Hall is the main hall of the temple at its core. It sits 24.8 meters (81 feet) high on a 21-meter (69-foot) base, and is the tallest building in the temple complex as well as one of the three largest ancient halls in China. [Photo by Zhong Lei]

Centuries-old trees stand in the Confucius Temple complex, providing a quiet place for reflection. [Photo by Zhong Lei]