The Intricately Interlocking Roofs of the Temple of Confucius

The Intricately Interlocking Roofs of the Temple of Confucius

The Intricately Interlocking Roofs is one of the scenic highlights within the Temple of Confucius.

The terms “interlocking hearts” and “competing corners” originally come from Du Mu’s “Ode to the Palace of Afang,” and this beautiful architectural sight can also be appreciated at the traditional buildings of the Qufu Temple of Confucius—well worth capturing in photos.

“Interlocking Hearts and Competing Corners” was originally a metaphor for architecture. In some structures within the Confucius Mansion, the corner of one building juts into the space between the two corners of another building—that’s the “interlocking hearts”; while other corners closely align with the angles of different buildings—that’s the “competing corners.” Together, they form the phrase “interlocking hearts and competing corners.” When you visit the Temple of Confucius in Qufu, you’ll understand the original meaning of this idiom and see its concrete architectural expression. Originally, “interlocking hearts and competing corners” was an ingenious architectural aesthetic created by builders to save space and enhance the beauty of structural design. Appreciating this ancient architectural artistry at the Temple of Confucius is truly a marvel.

Location

Inside the Temple of Confucius, Shen Dao Road, Qufu City, Shandong Province