In 1028, Lingxing Gate was erected in the external wall of a terrace. Between 1260 and 1264, it was moved to outside Confucius Temple. Since then, it has been the entrance to the temple. With 8.9 m height and 13 m width, this stone archway consists of 3 rooms and 4 columns. The head of each column soars heavenward and features a cloud pattern. Both front and back sides of the architrave feature the 3 characters that Emperor Qianlong wrote in 1754. Actually, Lingxing refers to Houji, the god of agriculture. Back in the Han dynasty, Emperor Liu Bang ordered that the god must be first worshiped in any heaven sacrifice. Since Confucius descended from heaven to enlighten people, he has been regarded as an embodiment of Heaven. Overall, this gate is one of the iconic structures of the temple.