The Confucius Research Institute has a total building area of 19,268 square meters in two project phases, including a 13,862 sq m building area in the first phase. The first phase's buildings function as documents research, professional training, and exhibition collection. The complex’s overall layout shows influence of Chinese traditional concepts while using existing conditions, so the complex has assumed a cultural connotation that is both symbolic and commemorative.

The second-phase project is the convention and research center. The project won an award for excellence from the Architectural Society of China in 2006 and an outstanding architectural decoration design award in Beijing in 1999.