Overview of Chinese Architecture and Its Influences

Cin

First recorded use of 'China' in 1555.

Cīnā

Term for porcelain originally made in China.

Qin

Dynasty that unified China (778 B.C.-207 B.C.).

Zhōngguó

Means 'central country' in Chinese history.

Cathay

Historical name for China used in Europe.

People's Republic of China

Current name of China established post-1949.

Area of China

9.6 million square kilometers, largest in Asia.

Yellow River

2,109 miles long, known as 'The Great Sorrow.'

Yangtze River

Third-longest river globally at 2,432 miles.

Pearl River

848 miles long, significant river in South China.

Mount Everest

Highest mountain at 8,848 meters above sea level.

Climate of China

Cold winters, warm summers, diverse climates.

Wood-frame construction

Distinctive architectural feature in Chinese buildings.

Silk Road

Ancient trade route facilitating cultural exchange.

Buddhism

Major religious influence in Chinese architecture.

Confucianism

Philosophy shaping social conduct and architecture.

Taoism

Philosophy promoting universal love and harmony.

Feng Shui

Belief in energy flow affecting spatial design.

Tai Chi

Practice advocating balance through movement.

Lo Shu Magic Square

Numerical pattern symbolizing natural order.

Dynasties

Families ruling China, shaping its architecture.

Mandate of Heaven

Divine right of rulers in Chinese history.

Qin Dynasty

First Chinese empire, unified under legalism.

Han Dynasty

Golden Age of China, expanded territory significantly.

Tang Dynasty

Period of cultural and technological advancements.

Foot binding

Cultural practice beginning during the Tang Dynasty.

Five Dynasties

Period of fragmentation and short-lived ruling families.

Song Dynasty

Era of significant technological and cultural progress.

Han Empire

First major imperial dynasty of China.

Wu Chao

First and only female emperor of China.

Golden Age

Period of prosperity and cultural flourishing.

Khitans

Nomadic people who attacked Chinese territories.

Gunpowder

Explosive material used in warfare.

Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian thought during the Song dynasty.

Yuan Dynasty

Mongol dynasty ruling China from 1206 to 1368.

Kublai Khan

Mongol leader who established the Yuan dynasty.

Ming Dynasty

Last dynasty ruled by ethnic Hans, known for stability.

Forbidden City

Imperial palace complex in Beijing.

Qing Dynasty

Last imperial dynasty of China, ruled by Manchus.

Taiping Rebellion

Massive civil war in southern China (1850-64).

Boxer Rebellion

Anti-foreign movement in China (1899-1901).

Xinhai Revolution

1911-12 uprising ending the Qing dynasty.

Bilateral Symmetry

Architectural balance in design and layout.

Siheyuan

Traditional Chinese courtyard house.

Sky Well

Courtyard feature for ventilation and light.

Hierarchy in Architecture

Importance based on building placement and design.

Horizontal Emphasis

Focus on breadth over height in structures.

Axial City Plan

Symmetrical layout reflecting social hierarchy.

Imperial Palaces

Centralized structures for emperors' governance.

Talismans

Objects believed to bring good fortune.

Cardinal Directions

Orientation used in traditional Chinese architecture.

Grand Canal

Major waterway restored during the Ming dynasty.

Great Wall of China

Fortification built to protect against invasions.

Engraved Beasts

Decorative elements symbolizing imperial authority.

Ordinary People's Houses

Simple structures lacking wealth and ornamentation.

Square Plan

City layout with a checkerboard grid.

Harmony

Confucian principle linking family happiness and hierarchy.

Classical Chinese House

Structure with halls for ceremonies and elders.

Main Axis

North-south orientation for optimal sunlight.

Younger Generations Halls

East-west side halls, simply decorated.

Surrounding Wall

Provides privacy, seclusion, and security.

Ting

Largest hall for receiving important guests.

Tang

Living room for family meetings.

L'ou

Apartment space for family members.

Ting (Pavilion)

Space designated for relaxation.

Courtyard

Central space for family activities.

Jian

Rectangular structural unit for building.

Exposed Structure

Aesthetic focus on visible wood elements.

Timberwork

Flexible construction method using wooden frameworks.

Symmetrical Layout

Main structure aligned on central axis.

Neolithic Period

Era of settled communities and cave dwellings.

House Body

Provides essential living space within a home.

Terrace

Solid or hollow structure formed by timber.

Sloping Roof

Roof design with standing tiles.

Wood Framework Systems

Standardized by the Ming dynasty for stability.

Pillars-and-Beams

Main wooden framing system in Chinese architecture.

Hutong

Narrow street formed by siheyuan residences.

Tulou

Fortified earth building housing many families.

Zaojing

Coffered ceiling design in important structures.

Timber Jointing Systems

Connections allowing flexibility in wooden structures.

Roof Components

Elements including covering, edging, and ridge.

Full-face Ridge Decoration

Decorative elements on the roof ridge.

Roofing Materials

Clay, thatch, and bamboo used based on wealth.

Dougongs

Corbelled brackets providing structural support.

Cylindrical Tiles

Interlocked tiles recalling bamboo origins.

Vertical Ridge

Ridge other than the positive ridge in roofs.

Diagonal Ridge

Ridge from eaves gable to animal heads.

Eaves

Part of roof extending beyond the truss.

Ridge Beast

Beast head protecting beam head from rain.

Baoding

Crown structure on top of roofs.

Shanhua

Triangular wall on Resting Hill Roof sides.

Dougong

Interlocking wooden brackets in traditional architecture.

Grottoes

Caves for meditation and worship in Buddhism.

Yungang Grottoes

50,000 statues in 52 caves, Shanxi Province.

Longmen Grotto

Cave-chapels in Luoyang, Northern Wei capital.

Buddhist Temples

Imperial style temples with symmetrical layout.

Taoist Temples

Less grand, main hall at front for deities.

Pagodas

Structures preserving relics, varying in height.

Foguang Temple

3rd earliest preserved timber structure in China.

Pailou

Ceremonial archways to temples or tombs.