CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

History of Architecture 3

CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

PALACES AND TEMPLES

chief building type

GEOGRAPHICAL INFLUENCE

played a crucial role in shaping its architectural styles. From the mountainous regions in the west to the fertile plains in the east, different landscapes influenced building techniques and materials

NORTHERN CHINA

Due to colder climates and proximity to the steppes, buildings often used thicker walls, and courtyards, and were built to withstand harsh winters.

SOUTHERN CHINA

More tropical and humid, with lighter materials like wood and bamboo to promote ventilation. Structures often had elevated floors to avoid flooding.

MOUNTAIN AREAS

Architecture had to adapt to rugged terrains, often resulting in tiered structures or stilted buildings to accommodate uneven ground.

GEOLOGICAL INFLUENCE

natural resources available in different regions determined construction materials

NORTHERN REGIONS

More abundant stone and earth resources led to buildings with rammed earth walls or brick construction.

SOUTHERN REGIONS

Wood was more plentiful, and timberframe structures became dominant. The use of bamboo was also common in these areas.

RAMMED EARTH

A technique for constructing foundations, floors, and walls using compacted natural raw materials such as earth, chalk, lime, or gravel.

CLIMATIC INFLUENCE

climate of a region dictated the architectural solutions for comfort

NORTHERN CHINA

Cold winters led to the development of the kang, an elevated heated platform, and the use of compact, walled compounds to retain heat.

KANG

an elevated heated platform
traditional Chinese heating system

SOUTHERN CHINA

Hot and humid weather prompted open, airy structures with large eaves to provide shade and encourage airflow. The design often included ponds or gardens to cool the air.

EASTERN COASTAL REGION

These areas had to deal with typhoons, so homes were designed with steep roofs to allow rain to quickly run off and avoid damage.

HISTORICAL INFLUENCE

Chinese architecture evolved through several dynasties, with each era contributing to the stylistic and structural development of buildings

HAN DYNASTY

(206 BCE – 220 CE): Marked the beginning of many typical Chinese architectural elements like courtyards and symmetry. This period also saw the construction of defensive structures like the Great Wall.

TANG DYNASTY

(618 – 907 CE): A golden age of Chinese architecture, known for Buddhist temples and the development of multi-storied pagodas.

SONG DYNASTY

(960 – 1279 CE): Innovations in construction techniques, such as bracket systems that allowed for larger buildings with broader, curving roofs

MING DYNASTY

(1368 – 1644 CE): Known for grandiose palatial architecture, such as the Forbidden City, with an emphasis on balance, harmony, and symbolism.

QING DYNASTY

(1644 – 1912 CE): Saw further refinement of traditional Chinese elements and an increase in Western influence, especially in port cities like Shanghai.

RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE

▪ Confucianism ▪ Buddhism ▪ Taoism / Daoism

CONFUCIANISM

Focused on hierarchy and harmony influencing the symmetrical layout of imperial palaces, administrative buildings, and temples.

CONFUCIAN ARCHITECTURE

emphasized order, formality, and a sense of hierarchy in space.

KAOHSIUNG CONFUCIUS TEMPLE

Taiwan -multi-tiered roofs

beautifully designed archways and magnificent temples and residences

BUDDHISM

Introduced pagodas, stupas, and monasteries.

BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE

prominent with tiered towers that were spiritual as well as practical spaces for meditation and worship.

PAGODA DESIGN

symbolic, representing the connection between heaven and earth

HALL OF GUANYIN

s the most important annex halls in Chinese Buddhist temples and mainly for enshrining Guanyin

TAOISM/DAOISM

Advocated for harmony with nature, which is reflected in gardens, pavilions, and temples that blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.

also visible in the undulating roofs and use of natural materials.

MOUNT LAOJUN IN LUOYAN, HENAN PROVINCE, CHINA

sacred site for Taoists

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEMPLES

ANCIENT STRUCTURES

• Palaces

• Temples and Monasteries

• Tombs and Mausoleums

• Pagodas

• Residential Courtyards

• City Walls and Fortification

PALACES

These grand complexes, like the Forbidden City, were designed with strict adherence to hierarchical and symbolic principles. Symmetry, central axes, and the use of open courtyards were essential.

FORBIDDEN CITY

PALACE OF HEAVENLY PURITY

Beijing, China

Built by emperor Zhu Di

the best-preserved imperial palace in China

MINGTANG

bright hall

ritual structure that serves as the symbolic center of imperial power

designated as the intersection of heaven (circle) and earth (square), oriented around the four cardinal directions

TEMPLES AND MONASTERIES

Religious buildings, such as Buddhist temples, Daoist temples, and Confucian academies, were built with spiritual significance. Structures like pagodas (e.g., Big Wild Goose Pagoda) were often part of temple complexes

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

in its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship

most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China

world’s largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven

TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

HEAVEN

circular wooden prayer hall

EARTH

rectangular courtyards

TOMBS AND MAUSOLEUMS

The most famous of these is the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, which includes the Terracotta Army. Ancient Chinese tombs were typically large, mound-like structures reflecting the belief in the afterlife.

TERRACOTTA ARMY INSIDE THE TOMP OF THE FIRST QIN EMPEROR

PAGODAS

Tall, multi-storied towers introduced from India through Buddhism. Examples include the Songyue Pagoda (Henan) and the Iron Pagoda (Kaifeng).

THE SONGYUE TEMPLE TA

Dengfeng, Henan Province

China’s oldest surviving ta

TA

PAGODA

Buddhist temple, square or polygonal in plan

roofs projecting from each storey

erected as a memorial or to hold relics

FOGONG PAGODA

200ft tower built entirely out of wood

RESIDENTIAL COURTYARDS (SIHEYUAN)

These were traditional residential compounds designed around a central courtyard, prevalent among wealthy families and officials. They are a hallmark of Beijing’s hutongs.

CITY WALLS AND FORTIFICATIONS

The Great Wall of China, spanning thousands of miles, and city walls (like those of Xi'an) were built as defense structures, often using rammed earth and brick.

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

incomparable symbolic significance in the history of China

protect China from outside aggression

preserve its culture from the customs of foreign barbarians

means of communication

GREAT WALL OF CHINA

built by Qin Shih Huang Ti

world’s largest military structure

TOWERS AND GATEWAYS

PAILOU

monumental gateway to a palace, tomb, or sacred place

ZHONGLOU

bell tower or pavilion at the right side of a city gate, palace entrance, or forecourt of a temple

GULOU

left side counterpart of Zhonglou

PAILOU OR PAIFANG

METHODS FOR CONSTRUCTION

DOUGONG

interlocking bracket system used in traditional Chinese construction to support roof beams

both structural and decorative purpose

JIAN

basic measure in construction

standard unit of space marked by adjacent frame supports

SIHEYUAN

courtyard housing

layout provided privacy, ventilation, and natural lighting while protecting residents from external noise and harsh weather

LAYOUT OF SIHEYUAN

CHARACTERISTICS

COLORS

CARVED AND PAINTED BEAMS AND CEILING

Intricate carvings and paintings on beams, ceilings, and eaves were common in temples and palaces.

The designs often included dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures, symbolizing imperial power or auspiciousness

ROOF ORNAMENT

Many ancient buildings feature small figurines and animals (like dragons, phoenixes, and lions) perched on the corners of the roof. These decorations were meant to protect the building and its inhabitants from evil spirits.

CHIWEN

mythical fish often placed at the roof's edge, was believed to ward off fires

GLAZED ROOF TILES

often in yellow, green, and blue, was common in palaces and temples

YELLOW-GLAZED TILE

exclusively reserved for the emperor's use in buildings like the Forbidden City

STONE LIONS (SHISHI)

Pairs of stone lions were placed in front of important buildings to symbolize strength and protection.

guardian lions are iconic and widely replicated.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Lattice windows, typically made from wood, were decorated with geometric or floral patterns.

These were often designed with spiritual significance, symbolizing harmony between humans and nature

CALLIGRAPHY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Buildings often featured plaques and inscriptions in Chinese calligraphy, especially in temples and palaces, adding a layer of cultural and historical significance

RELIEFS AND SCULPTURES

Stone carvings depicting dragons, cranes, and other auspicious animals were common in both palaces and tombs.

These sculptures were not only decorative but often held spiritual meaning, intended to bring good fortune or safeguard against evil

FENG SHUI

Buildings were often aligned along cardinal directions to ensure good energy flow

MODULAR DESIGN

The buildings were often composed of modular units, allowing flexibility and ease of expansion or reconstruction

BLENDING WITH NATURE

Ancient Chinese architecture often sought to harmonize with the natural environment, especially in garden designs

FENG SHUI

CHI’I

positive energy