Eaves Columns

Eaves Columns

The eaves columns are a cultural tourism attraction.

The eaves columns are a distinctive feature of Qufu architecture, with those of the Dacheng Hall being the most representative. The 28 stone eaves columns surrounding the hall, each carved from a single block of stone, stand 6 meters tall and are 0.8 meters in diameter, resting on lotus-shaped column bases. The 18 stone columns under the left, right, and rear eaves are all octagonal and feature shallow relief carvings of coiled dragons, with 72 dragons carved on each column.

The 10 front eaves columns are adorned with deep-relief carvings of two dragons playing with a pearl, set against surging waves and accented with rocky landscapes. These 10 dragon columns are arranged in facing pairs, featuring exquisite designs and exceptionally fine carving—rare even within the region. It is said that when Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited Qufu to pay homage to Confucius, the stone columns were wrapped in red silk so that the emperor would not see them, for fear he might blame them for surpassing the grandeur of the imperial palace.