Together with European architecture and Arabian architecture, ancient Chinese architecture is an important component of the system of world architecture. During its long development, it gradually formed into a style which featured timberwork combining stone carving, rammed earth construction, bucket arch buildings and many other techniques. Industrious Chinese laboring people created many architectural miracles such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.

Features: The most significant characteristic of ancient Chinese architecture is the use of timber framework. Paintings and carvings were added to the architectural work to make it more beautiful and attractive.

Ancient Chinese architecture has a long history which can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC - 771 BC). It has its own principles of structure and layout. Through the long development, many architectural wonders have been created by industrious and clever Chinese laboring people. Ancient Chinese architectural miracles are innumerable ranging from Great Wall, White Horse Temple, Mogao Caves to Summer Palace and Forbidden City.

Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly timberwork. Wooden posts, beams, lintels and joists make up the framework of a house. Walls serve as the separation of rooms without bearing the weight of the whole house, which is unique to China. As a famous saying goes, 'Chinese houses will still stand when their walls collapse.' The specialty of wood requires antisepsis methods to be adopted, thus develops into Chinese own architectural painting decoration. Colored glaze roofs, windows with exquisite applique design and beautiful flower patterns on wooden pillars reflect the high-level of the craftsmen's handicraft and their rich imagination.

The layout of a courtyard complex is also unique to China. The main structure is located on the central axis of a court while less-important structures are located to the left and right. The whole layout is symmetrical. Compared with European architectural style which is open and shut, a Chinese courtyard is like a hand scroll of painting which should be unfolded little by little. The scenery is different in each courtyard. Even in moving several steps within the court yard, you will be surprised at the changing of prospects. Likewise from the interior of the buildings the view from no two windows is the same.

Architecture styles:

There were many different styles of Ancient Chinese architecture such as Buddhist architecture, Islam mosques, Taoist architecture, Chinese temples, Imperial architecture, garden architecture and general architecture. All of them are unique and equally exquisite.

This part will provide you with detailed information about different kinds of Chinese architecture, including the related culture and background knowledge. Chinese ancient architecture has its own unique style in the world architecture. It uses different structural materials which include civil construction, brick work, timber construction and bamboo construction. There are various architecture styles such as palace, tower, temple, garden and mausoleum which can be generally grouped into imperial architecture, religious architecture, garden architecture and general architecture.

Imperial Architecture
         

Here you will get to know Chinese imperial architecture, including imperial palaces, gardens and mausoleums. In order to incarnate the supremacy of imperial power, Chinese imperial architecture often adopt the layout of an axial symmetry, with the buildings on the central axis tall and splendid while the rest rather small and simple.

Religious Architecture
         

Religious architecture in China has an added Chinese flavor to it. Different religions have their unique architectural styles. Chinese religious architecture mainly includes Buddhist architecture, Taoist architecture and Chinese temples

Garden Architecture
         

Chinese gardens are famous for their variety and delicate craftwork. This part will not only present you different kinds of beautiful Chinese gardens, but you will also be impressed at the unique constructional idea and methods of Chinese laboring people.

General Architecture
         

In this part, you will get to know the general information of the architecture that Chinese common people live in. The 56 ethnic groups have weaved a colorful Chinese civilian residence picture. In northern part of Shaanxi Province, people prefer to live in Farmer’s House (Yao Dong). In Yunnan Province, local people build Seal-like Compound (Yi ke yin) to dwell in, and in the west of Fujian Province, Hakkas create the Earthen Buildings which is considered to be built with a wondrous architectural style. No matter what kind of architectural style they belong to, they are all the Major Styles of Traditional Chinese Residences.