{"id":99648,"date":"2024-10-21T11:58:31","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T03:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chinatours.com\/?p=99648"},"modified":"2024-10-24T22:03:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T14:03:58","slug":"traditional-chinese-architecture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.chinatours.com\/china-culture\/traditional-chinese-architecture\/","title":{"rendered":"Traditional Chinese architecture: 7 things to know before your first China tour"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve ever looked at the traditional Chinese architecture of any ancient building you could be deceived into thinking it all looks the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From colorful artwork to gilded animals, symmetrical design with a deeper meaning, and ornate curved roof corners, it can be\u00a0very<\/i>\u00a0confusing to the Western eye. You might be left wondering\u00a0What does it all mean?<\/i><\/p>\n

This is a great question \u2013 and one which is best addressed by learning a little about the characteristics of ancient Chinese architecture because it\u2019s in that deeper study we\u2019ll find the answers to other intriguing questions.<\/p>\n

Why are traditional Chinese houses (and palaces) built within compounds?<\/i><\/p>\n

Why is symmetry so important in Chinese architecture?<\/i><\/p>\n

Why is wood use so prevalent in Chinese buildings?<\/i><\/p>\n

We know that if it\u2019s your\u00a0first visit to China<\/a>, all the pagodas, temples, and imperial palaces can blend into an architectural blur.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Westerners might agree that Chinese history and traditions are fascinating \u2013 and it\u2019s true; it is. What they may not realize is ancient Chinese architecture is integral to China\u2019s culture and traditions \u2013 and it endures today, some 4,000 years after the first principles were developed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ready to learn a little about the characteristics of Chinese architecture?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s do this!<\/p>\n

Understand these 7 characteristics of Chinese architecture and know what you\u2019re looking at<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s said that while Chinese architecture drew influences from India and its Buddhism, in fact, Chinese architecture has inspired architecture and design in neighbouring countries, particularly in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.<\/p>\n

These influences are evident in the characteristics of Chinese architecture and that\u2019s what we cover here. Although there are many unique elements to Chinese architecture, we\u2019ll cover just seven. That way, when you\u2019re traveling China on your first China tour, you\u2019ll have a handle on the basics, allowing you to enjoy a more enriching experience through your understanding.<\/p>\n

#1 Special roof molding<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Look upon just about any traditional building of significance in China and you\u2019ll notice the distinctive wing angle warping of the roof.<\/p>\n

Ancient Chinese books describe this style of roof as \u2018flying like a bird\u2019 and while this is a poetic description, the curved design is very practical in nature too. In fact, the upturned corner is ideal for buildings that are supported by columns rather than walls, as the majority of traditional Chinese buildings are.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Like many aspects of Chinese architecture, the functional aligns to more esoteric considerations. In this instance, the curved roof arose from the Buddhist belief that it could ward off evil spirits, which were thought to only travel in straight lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Curved roof tips are very traditionally Chinese, however, they aren\u2019t found on every ancient Chinese building. They are most commonly on prominent imperial and religious buildings, rather than houses owned by commoners.<\/p>\n

#2 Tall building platform (taixie \u53f0\u69ad\u00a0<\/i>)<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Another peculiar feature of Chinese architecture is the use of a\u00a0taixie<\/i>\u00a0or high platform. This is where a wooden or stone frame is built around an earthen core, thereby providing support for a tall structure.<\/p>\n

Through his study of Chinese architecture, Sicheng Liang identified that traditional Chinese buildings are characterized by three integrated levels: the platform base, body of the house and the rooftop. The platform or\u00a0taixie<\/i>\u00a0works like our feet do. They support the house and roof. And the logic which flows from this? The larger and more robust the platform, the greater the size (including height) of the building.<\/p>\n

#3 Symbolic decoration<\/h3>\n\n\n
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One thing that catches the eye of most Western travelers to China is the way in which the design of traditional Chinese buildings does double duty as a decoration.<\/p>\n

From features, like ridge lip and eave tiles to magnificent doors, stunning windows, and ornate door-knockers, Chinese buildings are a canvas for decorative design and patterns. Many of these decorative features are exquisite wood carvings and work alongside the more functional elements of the main building, which were made typically from wood. It goes without saying the decoration was pivotal \u2013 and still is Chinese architectural design.<\/p>\n

#4 One complex, multiple courtyards<\/h3>\n\n\n
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A first visit to the Forbidden City and visitors are struck by one thing: the number of thresholds and internal courtyards one must walk through to reach the inner sanctum.<\/p>\n

Traditional Chinese architecture is characterized by a design that reflects a complex of buildings (siheyuan,<\/i>\u00a0the courtyard houses) that enclose open spaces. These enclosed spaces are found as courtyards (an empty space surrounded by buildings) and \u2018sky wells\u2019 (an opening to the sky within buildings located close together). Providing visibility, ventilation, and temperature regulation, courtyards were (and still are) valued spaces in which people can congregate and enjoy comfort and privacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In ancient Chinese architecture, the courtyard is believed to reflect the spiritual core of a building complex and\u00a0the Confusian philosophy that there was a\u00a0movement from outer to the inner world.\u00a0 Practically this played out as visitors would need to step across an ever-tightening perimeter that reflected a corresponding reduction in access.<\/p>\n

#5 Application of colour<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Xizhou Dynasty (also referred to as the Western Zhou Dynasty of 1046-256 BCE) saw the advent of color used in Chinese architecture, most notably as a feature that distinguished rank and nobility. During this period, the stigma, guardrail, beam and wall of imperial palaces were painted. Over time, vibrant colors became symbolic and were associated with certain architectural features.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These symbolic hues were a further representation of the intricate nature of Chinese architecture. Here\u2019s just a sample of the meaning behind color and features in a typical ancient Chinese building.<\/p>\n