8th June, 2024
Traditional Chinese buildings are primarily constructed with wood. The use of timber framing and intricate joinery techniques is a hallmark of ancient Chinese architecture.
These multi-storied towers are a quintessential feature of Chinese architecture, originally serving religious purposes such as housing relics and providing a place for meditation.
Chinese roofs often have a distinctive upward curvature at the edges, believed to ward off evil spirits. These curved roofs also help in shedding rainwater efficiently.
An essential structural element, dougong (斗拱) are interlocking wooden brackets that support the roof and add decorative flair to buildings.
Chinese architecture emphasizes symmetry, with buildings often laid out in a balanced and orderly manner. The main structures usually align along a central axis.
The layout and orientation of Chinese buildings often follow Feng Shui principles, which aim to harmonise human existence with the surrounding environment.
Known as Siheyuan (四合院), these traditional courtyard residences consist of buildings arranged around a central open space, providing a private and serene living environment.
Grandiose and elaborately decorated, structures like the Forbidden City in Beijing showcase the opulence and architectural sophistication of ancient Chinese imperial palaces.
Bright colours, especially red, yellow, and green, are prominent in Chinese architecture, with red symbolising good fortune and yellow representing the emperor.
Traditional Chinese buildings often use glazed terracotta tiles for roofing, contributing to the vibrant and colourful appearance of the structures.
Chinese temples are designed to create a sense of peace and reflection, with features such as elaborate carvings, statues of deities, and serene garden settings.
Chinese garden design is an art form that integrates architecture, rocks, water, and vegetation to create a harmonious and picturesque environment, exemplified by places like the Classical Gardens of Suzhou.
Ornate gateways, such as paifang (牌坊), serve as entrances to significant buildings and sites, often inscribed with calligraphy and decorated with intricate carvings.
Besides pagodas, other notable tower structures include drum towers and bell towers, which were historically used for timekeeping and signalling.
Chinese architecture exhibits regional diversity, influenced by local climates, materials, and cultural practices. For example, the stilt houses of southern China contrast with the cave dwellings of the Loess Plateau in the north.