CHINESE ARCHITECTURE PART 3

Buddhist Temples

Follow the imperial style with green roof tiles and a strictly symmetrical layout.

Main Building

Set on the central axis, facing south, with annex structures on the west and east flanks.

Taoist Temples

Architecture is less grand, with the main deity represented in the front hall.

Entrance

Usually at or to the side to confuse entry by demons, following Feng Shui guidelines.

Fayuang Temple

Features the Main Tower, Hall of the Divine Kings, Main altar, and Scripture Hall.

Foguang Temple

Known as the "Temple of the Buddha's Light," it contains Manjusri Hall and is the 2nd oldest existing pagoda in China.

Longxing Temple

Includes multiple halls and pavilions, such as the Hall of 4 Heavenly Kings and Hall of Amitabha.

Pagodas

Originally attached to monasteries for relic preservation, they vary in stories and styles.

Pavilion-shaped Structures

Represent popular styles in ancient Chinese architecture.

Pailou

Ceremonial entrances or archways to temples and tombs.

Dian

Large single building in traditional Chinese architecture, often referred to as Dadian or zhengdian.

Ornamental Pillars

Huabiao, often seen in palaces and gardens, marking thoroughfares.

Imperial Gardens

Spacious gardens with symbolic plants and smaller gardens for specific purposes.

Private Gardens

Small and simple gardens built in urban areas due to expensive land.

Monastic Gardens

Found in monasteries, emphasizing natural beauty and solemnity.

Elements of a Chinese Garden

Include rocks, water, buildings, and plants.

Altars and Temples

Used for worshiping heaven, earth, and ancestors, including sacrificial offerings.

Temple of Heaven and Earth

A sacrificial altar for emperors, symbolizing heaven and earth.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Part of the Temple complex, representing the emperor's connection to heaven.

Circular Altar Mound

Features a round marble plate surrounded by rings, symbolizing the emperor's power.

Seasons and Rituals

The emperor performed rituals twice a year for good harvests and gratitude.

Abstinence Hall

Where the emperor prepares before rites of Heaven worship.

Imperial Vault of Heaven

Smaller than the Hall of Prayer, it stores tablets of the god of heaven.

Mausoleums/Tombs

Examples of high architectural techniques, often built against mountains.

Qin Tombs

Famous for the Terracotta warriors of Qin Shi Huang.

Han Tombs

Inherited the underground tomb system from the Qin dynasty.

Ming Tombs

Contains tombs of 13 Ming emperors, featuring gates and buildings.

Great Palace Gate

Features three passageways and a significant stele.

Sangiang Gong

Temples of Taoist priests, known as the "palace of triple purity."

Ting

A pavilion or kiosk built in various shapes for rest or shelter.

Tai

Elevated terrace with a flat top, often supporting palatial halls.

Lou

Multi-storey building housing bells or drums, known as zhong-lou and gu-lou.

Ge

A multi-level structure used for storage, with solid walls on three sides.

Ta

A pagoda symbolizing a monastery, influenced by Indian architecture.

Fortifications

The Great Wall of China, built to protect against nomadic intrusions.

Passes

Secure intersections along the Great Wall, facilitating trade routes.

Shan Hai Pass

The easternmost point of the Great Wall.

Jiayu Pass

The westernmost point of the Great Wall.

Imperial Cities

Enclosed by walls, featuring a hierarchy of buildings and streets.

Da Du

The imperial palace established by Genghis Khan.

Hierarchy and Protective Wall

Important buildings raised on terraces, reflecting social status.

Ornamentation

Use of color restricted by social status, with gold as the noblest color.

Hexicaihua

Imperial-style decorative painting often featuring dragons or phoenixes.