Which Chinese philosopher is known as the 'First Teacher'?

The Chinese philosopher known as the “First Teacher” is Confucius. He is remembered not only as a philosopher but also as an influential educator who made teaching a central part of his life.

Confucius lived during the late Spring and Autumn period, traditionally dated to 551–479 BCE. He taught that social harmony depended on moral cultivation, respect within relationships, benevolent leadership, and proper conduct. His ideas were later collected and preserved by students and followers, especially in the Analects.

The title “First Teacher” reflects his enormous influence on Chinese education and public ethics, not the claim that he was literally the first person to teach in China. Confucius promoted private education and is traditionally said to have taught more than 3,000 students, with about 70 regarded as especially accomplished. Xunzi and Mencius were later Confucian thinkers, while Laozi is associated with Daoism.