Ancient Chinese Architecture

The ancient Chinese architecture plays an important role in world architectural system. With unique characteristics, elegance style and delicacy structure, the ancient Chinese architecture is the most valuable art treasure. Like a mirror, the ancient Chinese architecture reflects the long-standing history and culture of China.

Ancient Chinese architecture is based on the principle of bilateral symmetry. Bilateral symmetry and the articulation of buildings are found everywhere in Chinese architecture. Office buildings, residences, temples, and palaces all follow the principle that the main structure is the axis. The secondary structures are positioned as two wings on either side to form the main room and yard. Another noticeable characteristic of Ancient Chinese architecture is timberwork which is regarded as a wonder. Wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists constitute of the framework of a house. Walls servers as the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house, which is unique to China. “Chinese houses will still stand when their walls collapse”. This famous saying reflects the wonder of the timberwork. Besides, the decoration of the beams, roofs, windows and doors are very exquisite.

The ancient Chinese architecture can be roughly classified into three categories: the imperial architecture, the religious architecture and the garden.

Palaces buildings represent the highest architectural level of its own dynasty. The long Chinese feudal society witnessed the construction of numerous palaces, built to satisfy the emperors' extravagant lifestyles and protect the stateliness of their reign. As one fabulous example of Chinese architecture, the imperial architecture records the great intelligence and creation of the laborious ancient people that had a profound influence on the design of modern architecture at home and abroad. As the best architecture of ancient China, the imperial architecture is very splendid with elaborate layout, majestic appearance and luxurious decoration. There were certain architectural features that were reserved solely for buildings built for the emperors. One example is the use of yellow roof tiles; yellow having been the Imperial color, yellow roof tiles still adorn most of the buildings. The Chinese dragons, an emblem reserved for Imperial China, were heavily used on Imperial architecture - on the roofs, on the beams and pillars, and on the doors. The Forbidden City is a typical example of imperial buildings. The Forbidden City in Beijing is famous for its magnificent buildings and dignified layout. First built in the early 15th century, the enclosed city occupied an area of 720,000 square meters and has 9,999 rooms. The main hall, built on a seven-meter high podium finished in white marble, sit on a single axis. It is one of the most popular attractions of Beijing.

Hanging Temple

Religious architecture in China is a brilliant pearl in the treasure house of Ancient Chinese culture. It is not only noted for its unique architectural structure but also the internal decoration such as Portraits of Buddhas, murals, engraved tablets, calligraphy, Buddhist utensils, furnishings, and Buddhist scriptures, which are the ancient art with high value. The religious architecture in China is mainly consisted of the Buddhist architecture, Taoist architecture and Lamaist architecture, among which the Buddhism temples absorbed the quintessence of architectural art and represent the highest level of religious architecture. Buddhist architecture is regard as a great art treasure of calligraphy, sculpture and painting combine. The pagoda, symbol of Buddhism, is always standing in the temples for people to have a bird eye view. Thanks to its featured structure, splendid appearance and unique style, it has been one of the most favored places of tourists. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an is very famous and popular with the tourists at home and abroad. The Grotto, another type of Buddhist architecture also embodies art value for it always decorated with painted sculptures, carvings and frescos. Mogao Caves and Longmen Grottoes are well preserved and attract numerous tourists at home and abroad.

Tiger Hill

The garden architecture is a glorious component of ancient Chinese architecture. The Ming and Qing is the heyday of Garden architecture which can be divided into two categories: the imperial garden in north and the private garden in south. Collecting skillful craftsmen from the country added with generous financial supports material resources, the imperial gardens are noteworthy for their grand dimensions, luxurious buildings, and exquisite decorations. Beijing is scattered with such gardens and the typical one is the Summer Palace which is a well-known attraction now. Different from the imperial gardens in Northern China, the private gardens in south are smaller in scale but no less exquisite. The designs of private gardens are more flexible according to the owner’s tastes. Contrasting with the imperial gardens, the private gardens are simpler and more elegant. The bridges, pavilions, corridors and flowers constitute peaceful pastoral scenery.

Quadrangle Beijing

Talking about the Chinese architecture, the quadrangle should not be missed. The quadrangle is one of a carrier of Beijing’s history and unique regional culture and mirrors the lifestyle of common Beijing’s. It is an excellent place to feel the world famous Beijing Culture. Consisting of a front door, screen wall, converse room, principle room and wing-rooms quadrangles are divided into two courtyards: inner and outer. The inner courtyard includes the main room, side room and wing-room which are the main living space while the outer one serves as the gatehouse, living room and guest room. Quadrangle is the main construction of Hutong which is very famous. And now Beijing Hutong tour is very in fashion and especially favored by foreign tourists.

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