CHINESE

ARCHITECTURE
AR ALVER A VERZOSA
HSTORY OF ARCH 3
 INFLUENCE
A. Geographical

~ 23 provinces and the autonomous regions of inner Mongolia band
Sinkiang-
Uigon
~ area is larger Europe/equal to nearly 1/3 rd of the total worlds land area
~ bulk of transport carried in inland waterways including great rivers Yangtze
and Sinkiang and their tributaries; railway construction commenced in the
20th
century
~ mountainous with fertile valleys in the middle and SE
~ (north) great plains
~ excellent harbors
Geological

north) absence of trees

(south) pine trees, chestnuts and maples
~ bamboo: cultivated extensively
~ timber: principal material in Chinese architecture
~ Persea Nanmu tallest and straightest of all trees in China
floated down the
Yangtze River in trunks to serve as columns in palaces and
temples in Peking
~ clay tile roofs colored in symbolic colors: black, red, azure
(blue), white and
yellow
CLIMATIC

~ (north) cold strong winters

~ (south) warm
~ varying from extreme cold to almost tropical; heavy rainfall
 Historical, Social, Religion
~ dynastic history
~ no territorial aristocracy; no noble country houses
~ little pride to erect town mansions
~ main religious and ethical influences : Confucianism, Taoism & Buddhism

Confucianism - new code of ethical conduct and philosophy of life, stressing
on family and ancestor worship.

Taoism - attempted to transcend Confucianism; Lao Tzu offered a doctrine of
universal love as his solution to social disorder: encompassed
mysticism and superstition and was readily combined with
Buddhism.
- Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism produced concepts of the universe
and beliefs about he future closely allied with superstition,
astrological necromancy which have controlled the society and
cities as well as the design of buildings.
Feng Shui - pseudo science based on the belief that forces exist in every
locality which act on all types of buildings, towns and cities for
good or ill and sites were chosen or adapted accordingly.
 ARCH CHARACTER
~ pagoda (ta) - most typical Chinese building
- functions: commemorative, funerary, watch over, shrines
decorations
- usually octagonal in plan and 13 storeys
~ roof - chief feature
- supported on timber and uprights & independent of walls which were
- often useless for support
- supported by tou-kong (enrichment)
tou - outstretching arms
kong trapezoidal block (cushion)
- repeated or placed on top of another as a sign of dignity and to protect
interiors from heat and cold
- with upturned eaves
- highly colored, glazed tiles
- mainly timber skeleton/framework, standing on masonry platform
(damp proofing)
- instead of first raising the columns and framing the superstructure, the
Chinese made the framework of the roof and this determined the
position of the columns.
 ~ hollow walls [by adjusting the proportion of the open and walled in spaces, it
admits, excludes the amount of light and air]
~ square-beaded doors and windows
~ ornament expresses national characteristics
~ houses grouped around an infinite number of courtyards
~ principal buildings oriented to south, so maximum amount of sunlight
can be
admitted in winter and during summer, sun is cut by overwhelming
eaves
~ pai lou/ gateway of stone
~ dragon prosperity; good fortune
Cai -One of the eight grades of modular timber sections in traditional Cinese
construction, based on the size and span of a building
Cao - is a space in Chinese architecture
Ang -A lever arm in traditional Biyong -Literall "jade ring moat", a ritual structure in Chinese
Chinese construction, placed architecture enclosing a space in the shape of the bi, a flat jade
parallel to the rafters and raked ceremonial disk.
at an angle to counterbalance
the forces applied by the inner
and outer purlins
 Chan-is meditation in Chinese CHU-is a column in Chinese
Architecture
 Chih- the bronze or stone disk between a
Cheng- the walling of a Chinese city?
column's base and its foot
 Dougong- means Cap and block Siheyuan- is a historical type of residence
residence commonly found in China and
sometimes referred to as Chinese quadrangles
TYPES OF CHINESE ROOF
 Ta- Chinese Pagoda
Jing- is a room for private prayers in Chinese architecture
 Fang- is a tie beam in the Dougong Du- is "capital" in Chinese. It also
system of traditional Chinese called "city" in Chinese architecture
construction
 Fu-chiao lu-tou- In traditional Chinese construction, the
Guan- is a Chinese monastery
system for supporting a corner condition with bracket
supports.
 Fen- It is a modular unit in
traditional Chinese construction,
Que- It is a free-standing, ceremonial gate
equal to one-fifteenth of the height
tower in traditional Chinese architecture first
and one-tenth of the width of a cai. developed in the Zhou Dynasty
 Jiangren- a master craftsman in Chinese Miyan- is "eaves" in Chinese architecture
architecture
 shi/mao- Temple in Chinese architecture Cheomseongdae Tower-means Star-gazing
platform is Asia's first stone astronomical
observatory constructed during the reign of
Queen Seondeok (632-647)
 CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
Styles of Chinese ancient architecture are rich and varied, such as temples, imperial palaces,
altars, pavilions, official residencies and folk houses, which greatly reflect Chinese ancient
thought - the harmonious unity of human beings with nature.
Since ancient times, Chinese culture has been heavily influenced by conservative
philosophies like Confucianism, Taoism etc. Over the centuries, the structural principles of
Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being on the
decorative details.
Traditional Chinese buildings are always found in pairs or groups, whether they are
residences, temples or palaces. Traditional Chinese architecture, unlike that of other cultures,
uses wood-frame construction as one of its most distinctive features.
HISTORICAL
BACKGROUND
CHINESE DYNASTY TIMELINE
THE CHARACTER AND
MEANING OF CLASSICAL
CHINESE ARCHITECTURE
Features

Timber frame structure

Symmetry as courtyard style
Rich artistic image
A. Decorative roof
B. The use of foil structure
C. The use of color
 Classification by structure
lou (Multistory buildings)
tai (terraces)
ting (pavilions)
ge (Two-story pavilions)
ta (Chinese pagodas)
xuan (Verandas with windows)
xie (Pavilions or houses on terraces)
wu (Rooms along roofed corridors)
 Traditional Architecture Styles
Imperial architecture

Religious architecture

Garden architecture

Residential architecture

Bridge architecture
Imperial Architecture

Imperial mausoleums
Imperial palaces
The number Nine and imperial architecture
The notion of Ruler is affiliated with the Sun
Dragon and Phoenix
 1. E Pang palace of the Qin dynasty

2. Wei Yang palace of the Han dynasty

3. Daming Palace of the Tang Dynasty

4. Forbidden City in Beijing & in Shenyang

E Pang Gong
the forbidden city
An Underground Palace --- Ming Tombs
A Chinese imperial mausoleum usually consists of two
parts, the divine road and the burial palace. The marble
archway or paifang is the beginning of the divine road and
of the whole Ming Tombs. This carved archway is the largest
existent one in China. It bears patterns of clouds and
dragons, which is a characteristic of imperial architecture.
The divine road is a passage in front of the tombs to
facilitate the sacrificial ceremonies. The two hexagon stone
pillars are the sign of a divine road.
Behind the engraved pillars are 24 stone animals. They are
four horses, four legendary animals called qilin, four
elephants, four camels, four legendary animals called
xiezhi, and four lions. Behind the stone animals are 12
stone figures. Each of these life like statues is carved out
of a whole rock.
Stone figures and animals along the divine road serve as
guardians and waiters, and the animals are employed to rid
evil spirits and symbolize peace.
 Religious Architecture

Chinese Buddhist architecture

Taoist architecture
Confucianism and Chinese architecture
 Chinese Buddhist Architecture
It consists of temple, pagoda and grotto. Localization
starts right after Buddhist architecture was
introduced into China with Buddhism during the Han
dynasty, interpreting Chinese architectural aesthetics
and culture.

Chinese Buddhist architecture follows symmetric

style strictly.

Famous grottoes are Mogao Caves, Yungang Grottoes

and Longmen Grottoes.
 Taoist Architecture
It applies two architectural styles - traditional style
and Bagua style.
In the former style, traditional symmetric
architectural layout is applied. Main halls are set up
on the central axis.
The second is the Bagua style in which all structures
surround the Danlu in the center. The center axis
from the south to the north is very long and
structures flank the axis. The style reflects Taoist
philosophy that the human cosmos follows the
natural cosmos to integrate energy, qi and spirit.
 Confucianism and Chinese
architecture
A value and ethical system based on "Loyality ( )",
"Filial Piety ( )", "Chastity ( )", "Righteousness
( )".
Put a strong emphasis on the relationship between
ruler and subjects, father and son, husband and wife
as well as the absolute authority of the ruler, father
and husband.
Rever 5 virtues such as Benevolence ( ),
Righteousness ( ), Rite ( ), Wisdom ( ), Trust
( ).
Garden Architecture

History
The ancient Chinese gardens originated in the Shang and
Zhou Dynasties, when monarchs began to build parks for
their own leisure and pleasure.
Classification
1. Imperial gardens
2. Private gardens
3. Monastic gardens
Residential Architecture

Traditional Chinese residences reflect the national culture, the

sub-culture of a specific region and that of the ethnic group
within it.
seven major styles of traditional
domestic architecture
Beijings Hutong and Courtyard
the Si he yuan in northern China Courtyard House
Shikumen - a type of tenement housing unique to
Shanghai
Yaodong in north China
Seal-like Compound (Yi Ke Yin)
the earthen buildings (tu lou) of Hakkas
Miao-style house / the stilt house (Diaojiulou)
Beijing 's Hutong and Courtyard

A hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China .

It means a small street or a lane between two courtyards, or a community within the
city consisting of hutong residences.
People name each hutong by various means.
A lot of smaller hutongs have been formed inside bigger hutongs
Siheyuan

Siheyuan is the traditional courtyard-style residence of

Beijing. This architectural style is world-famous for its
unsophisticatedness and elegance as well as its unique
artistic attainment. It is called Siheyuan because the
houses in it are constructed in such a way that
zhengfang, xiangfang and daozuo are connected with
walls and that the whole complex creates an enclosed
square courtyard. It has been several hundred years
since this kind of architectural form took shape.
 Li Yutangs quotes:
"inthedwellingthereisagarden,inthe
gardenthereisahouse,inthehousethere
isacourtyard,inthecourtyardthereisa
tree,onthetreethereisthesky,inthesky
thereisthemoon,whatafortunatelife!
yaodong ( )

A yaodong ( ) is a dugout used as an abode or shelter in China. Yaodongs are

common in north China, especially on the Loess Plateau. The history of yaodongs
goes back to time immemorial, and continues today.
Shikumen

History of Shikumen

The origin of shikumen buildings can be traced back to the 1860s

when people from southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang ran
into the foreign settlements in Shanghai due to the Taiping
Heavenly Uprising.

A valuable Architectural Legacy .

It is a combination of Eastern and Western architectural styles

featuring the traditional Eastern grey brick door lintels with a
Western style of decorative engraving on the walls.
Seal-like Compound (Yi Ke Yin)

In southern China 's Kunming , Yunnan Province, there is a variation of Siheyuan.

Here the courtyard compounds are called YikeYin, which is Chinese for seal
because when viewed from above the layout resembles the familiar shape of the
square seal to be seen on Chinese documents and paintings.
 Tulou (Earthen Building)
Three types of Hakka dwellings:
1. Phoenix house
2. Round house
3. Piang Fong (flat house)
The buildings are usually formed in two or three
circles. The kitchen and dining room will be found
on the first floor. The second floor is used as
warehousing, and the third and fourth floors contain
bedrooms. The inner circle is 2-storied with 30 to 50
rooms which function as guesthouses. In the middle
is a rectangular hall, a public place for several
hundred inhabitants.
Diaojiulou (House on Stilt)
Diaojiaolou (literally means hanging attic) is a residential house with a dense architectural flavor of the ethnic
minority in the southwestern Yunnan Province. The wooden building is built close to the mountain or above the
river with an extended floor space. These houses are usually built on slopes with only support poles and no
foundations, and are entirely made of wood without iron.
Bridge Architecture

Beam Bridge
Arch Bridge
Cable Suspension Bridge
Floating Bridge
 Beam Bridge
The earliest reference to the beam bridge in the Chinese
history is the Ju Bridge dating from the Shang Dynasty.
From the Zhou Dynasty to the Qin and Han Dynasties,
bridges with timber beams and stone piers were dominant.

Famous bridges:
1. the 362-span Anping Bridge
2. the 47-span Wanan Bridge
3. Jiangdong Bridge in Zhangzhou
4. the Fengyu Bridge (all-weather bridge) built by the Dong
people
 Arch Bridge
The joint of the beams and sides evolved gradually into
isometric trilateral, and pent lateral arches, and finally into
semicircular arch. The span, too, was gradually extended,
from 2 or 3 m up to 37.02 m (clear span).

Famous bridges:
1. Zhaozhou Bridge (Anji Bridge)
2. Feng Bridge (the Maple Bridge)
3. Baodai Bridge (the Precious Belt Bridge)
Cable Suspension Bridge

Cable suspension bridges vary in kind according to the materials of

which the cables are made, rattan, bamboo, leather and iron chain.

Famous bridges:
1. Fanhe Bridge
2. Jihong Bridge
3. Luding Iron-chain Bridge
Floating Bridge

To cross the river, boats were linked together to form a

floating bridge. It is also named qiaohang (the bridge
boat) and zhouliang (the boat beam).

The earliest reference to the floating bridge is shown in

the Book of Songs. In the 12th century B.C, King Wen
of the Zhou Dynasty ordered a bridge to be built on the
Wei River.

Pujing Floating Bridge in the Tang Dynasty

 Feng shui and Chinese
History architecture
The principles of feng shui
Yin and Yang
The bagua - directions and elements
Schools of feng shui :
1. The Form school
2. The Compass school
3. The Black Sect school
4. Flying Star school
History

It is generally believed that Qin fire had all feng shui books burned. The most
authoritative work is Qing Nang Jing given by Huang Shi Gong to Zhang Liang
during the late Qin Dynasty. In the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yun Song and his disciples
wrote several books that are considered the most authoritative work by all feng shui
schools.
The principles of Feng shui
Qi( ), the energy of the universe, is carried in the wind and retained within water. Both elements were used
as a way of directing Qi
Feng shui is not only a practice that is related to physical space, but also to the inhabitants of the space itself, as
both are interconnected.
The goal of feng shui guidelines is to locate and orient dwellings, possessions, land and landscaping, etc., so as
to be attuned with the flow of qi.
 Yin and Yang
Fundamental to feng shui is the idea that yin and yang are the two basic principles underlying all matter and
energy in the universe. These forces are opposites, but are not in opposition. Rather, they are complementary and
need each other to exist and flourish. The constantly changing interactions of yin and yang give rise to the
infinite variety of patterns in life.
The bagua - directions and elements

The bagua (or pa kua) of the I Ching (Book of Changes) is an octagonal diagram
used in feng shui analysis. Each direction on the octagon (north, northeast, etc.) is
associated with certain significant aspects. When one maps the bagua onto a
home, village, cemetery, etc., information about correct orientation and placement
can allegedly be gleaned.
 The Influence of Ba Gua on the earthen
buildings of Hakkas

Originally, the Hakkas came from central China and

were influenced profoundly by traditional Chinese
culture. Earthen buildings were created using the ba
gua (Eight Trigrams) theory, more widely known in the
West as Feng Shui, which was thought to be the essence
of ancient Chinese culture. From a more practical point
of view, as the Hakkas usually lived in barren and
remote hilly environments, they needed to defend
themselves from wild animals as well as other clans.
 The effect of proper feng shuiin
onburials
the living is thought to carry over to the afterlife. In traditional feng shui belief,
Use
the feng shui of cemeteries affects the state of the dead spirits and, indirectly, their living descendants. Spirits of the
buried were believed to remain at their gravesites or by the homes of their kin, and just as bad feng shui harms
relaxation and ease of mind among the living, the spirits of people buried with bad feng shui will be anxious and
restless, and therefore more likely to trouble the living. This reasoning led to careful feng shui planning of
cemeteries
Philosophy of Space

Liang Sicheng
Chinas Architecture History
China Architecture Institute
THE AXIAL CITY PLAN
AND SITE PLAN
One of the great religious beliefs
that influenced the design of the
classical Chinese city and
Chinese architecture is
Confucianism. In order to create
a stable social order,
Confucianism established the
strict doctrines putting the
society in order with rules and
filial piety.
THE MODULAR SYSTEM
One of the basic principles of
classical Chinese buildings is the
USE OF A MODULE, much like the
modular concept of prefabrication
in contemporary architecture.
Traditional Chinese carpenters
used JIAN a structured bay as a
standard unit to construct all
buildings. Jian was a rectangular
space marked by adjacent
structural frames. Jian, as the
basic interior unit, can be
expanded or repeated along the
architectural plan axis to join
together to create a hall, then a
building.
Odd numbers of Jian are allowed.
Even numbers are considered
unlucky.
THE EXPOSED
STRUCTURE
In ancient China, almost all of the
main structures of classical
Chinese architecture were made
of wood. Thus, the art of
traditional Chinese architecture
may be seen as the aesthetic of
wood.
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
DOUGONG MUGUIJA
Bracket sets Timber Frames
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

TAIZI COURTYARD
Podium
 ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

WU DING
Roof

1) Renzi Xuan Shan

2) Renzi Yin Shan
3) Juan Peng
4) Lu Ding
5) Fudian
6) Xie Shan
7) Conical Cuan Jian
8) Pyramidial Cuan Jian
9) Renzi with Parapet Wall
 METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION

TAI-LIANG CHUAN DUO

Pillars and Beam Pillar and Transverse Tie Beam
FENG SHUI
Qi( ), the energy of the universe, is
carried in the wind and retained within
water. Both elements were used as a way of
directing Qi
Feng shui is not only a practice that is
related to physical space, but also to the
inhabitants of the space itself, as both are
interconnected.
The goal of feng shui guidelines is to locate
and orient dwellings, possessions, land and
landscaping, etc., so as to be attuned with
the flow of qi.
YIN AND YANG
Fundamental to feng shui is the idea
that yin and yang are the two basic
principles underlying all matter and
energy in the universe. These forces are
opposites, but are not in opposition.
Rather, they are complementary and
need each other to exist and flourish.
The constantly changing interactions of
yin and yang give rise to the infinite
variety of patterns in life.
Widely used in Taoism Architecture.
 BAGUA
The bagua (or pa kua) of the I Ching (Book of Changes) is an octagonal diagram used in feng shui analysis. Each
direction on the octagon (north, northeast, etc.) is associated with certain significant aspects. When one maps
the bagua onto a home, village, cemetery, etc., information about correct orientation and placement can
allegedly be gleaned.
RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS
BUDDHISM
Buddhism was introduced to
China from India around the first
century AD, since the fourth
century AD, it was widely spread
and gradually became the most
influential religion in China.
Because of varied introduction
time and channel as well as
regional, historic and social
backgrounds, Buddhism in China
is divided into three branches,
namely Chinese Buddhism,
Tibetan Buddhism and Pali
Buddhism.
PAGODA
Pagoda, symbol of Buddhism is
often erected in temples.
Pagodas were made of stone,
wood, colored glaze or metal.
Pagodas have an odd number of
layers. Seven-layer and Nine-layer
pagodas are commonly built.
The shape of cross-section is
rectangular, eight-sided or even
circular.
Initially, the pagoda served as the
central axis alongside which rows
of halls and monks' rooms spread
out.Later, pagodas were built near
the main palace hall.
Chinese pagodas, in short, are a
significant part of the country's
cultural heritage -with their
beautiful shapes, bas-relief
carvings, dougong brackets and
upturned eaves.
GROTTOES
Grotto, another type of Buddhist
architecture, is often chiseled into
cliffs. In the 3rd century, Chinese
Buddhists began to build grottoes
and Xinjiang is the first area
where grottoes were hewn.
Grottoes are decorated with
painted sculptures, carvings and
frescos.
Craftsmen revealed real life
pictures and their understanding
of society in these art works,
which gave them great historical
and cultural value.
The four famous grottoes in China
are: Mogao Caves, Longmen
Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes and
Maiji Caves.
TEMPLE
Buddhist temples tend to be
decorated in red or black, and
there is a main hall for a statue of
a Bodhisattva, followed by a
smaller hall with statues of other
Buddha's and deities.
Buddhist Temples are called Miao
STUPA
Stupas appeared in China with the import
of Buddhism and, during a long history of
well over a thousand years, have become
a valued part of the national Buddhist art.
Stupa, a word from ancient Sanskrit
meaning a square or round tomb or a 'soul
shrine.
The perfect proportions of the Buddhas
body corresponds to the design of religious
monuments - STUPAS
Its architecture developed from the pre-
Buddhist Indian grave-mound.
Under these mounds the saintly ascetic
were buried; their bodies were seated on
the ground and covered with earth.
These dome-shaped graves, or tumuli, of
the saints were regarded as holy places.
And were destinations for pilgrimage for
the devotional and places of practice for
meditators.
LAMA TEMPLES
Lama Temples are Buddhism
temple found in Tibet.
It is where the seat of the Dalai
Lama is situated.
CONFUCIANISM
Confucius (551-479 BC)
established the Confucian school
of thought around 500 BC, during
China's Spring and Autumn Period
(770-476BC).
Confucianism became one of the
pillars of Chinese culture, and was
named China's official state
ideology around 100 BC, during
the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD)
by Emperor Han Wudi, who
reigned from 140-87 BC.
CONFUCIAN IDEOLOGY
Confucian ideology was the core of
feudal China's hierarchical social
system.
Traditional courtyard residences
drew strict distinctions between
interior and exterior, superior and
inferior, and male and female;
internal affairs and external affairs,
the honorable (master) and
humble (maid) ranking.
The compounds were enclosed
and isolated from the outside
world, and serving as material
expressions of Confucian ideology.
The chinese quadrangle buildings
(known as Si He Yuan") was
highly influenced by
Confucanism's rite.
TAOISM
Taoism is a religion native to
China. Laozi, a famous thinker
living in 6th Century BC,
established this philosophy and
came to be regarded as the
father of Taoism.
It formed mainly during Eastern
Han Dynasty (25-220). Many
Taoist ideas and thoughts are
greatly reflected in Taoist
architecture.
TEMPLE
Taoist architecture applies two
architectural styles - traditional
style and Ba-gua style.
In the traditional style, traditional
architectural layout, which is
symmetric, was applied.
The second is the Bagua style in
which all structures surround the
Danlu (stove to make pills of
immortality) in the center
according to Bagua's position
request.
A Statue of Dragon and Lion
guards the gates of a Taoist
temple;
In the main hall, the four Heavenly
Emperors in Taoism replace the
Buddha trinity and four Heavenly
Kings in Buddhism
FUNERAL BUILDINGS
QIN LING TOMB
The Mausoleum of the First Qin
Emperor. This mausoleum was
constructed over 38 years, from
246 to 208 BCE, and is situated
underneath a 76-meter-tall tomb
mound.
A terracotta army guards the
complex.
IMPERIAL PALACE
FORBIDDEN CITY
Situated in the heart of Beijing,
the Forbidden City is the world's
largest palace complex. It has
lavishly decorated ceremonial
halls and royal palaces. All the
gates, palace and other
structures of the Forbidden City
werearranged about the north-
south central axis of old Beijing
OTHER NOTABLE
STRUCTURES
GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Great Wall of China is a series of
stone and earthen fortifications built
by a number of emperors to protect
the northern borders against
nomadic tribes.
 Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000

years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi (10,000 Li =
about 5,000 km). After subjugating and
uniting China, the emperor started to build
the Great Wall to stop the foreign enemies
from invading China. The Great Wall extends
across the mountains of northern China. Its
constructed of masonry, rocks, and packed-
earth. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644),
the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400
kilometers (4,000 miles) and renovated over a
200-year period. The Great Wall is the largest
construction project ever completed in the
whole wide world.

http://www.viewzone.com/china.wallshot.jpg
TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
Temple of Heaven is not a single
building but a complex located in
the southern end of central Beijing.
The temple was used by the
emperor to make offerings to the
heaven and to prey for a good
harvest.
 The Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is situated in
the southern part of Beijing, about 6
km away from the center of the city.
It is the one of the largest parks in
Beijing, built in 1420. The Temple of
Heaven was the place where the
emperors of the Ming and Qing
dynasties worshipped heaven and
prayed for good harvests. The This is what they used
emperors visited the temple three to plan The Temple of
times a year. In imperial days, the Heaven out. (The out-line)
Chinese people believed that the
Book Source: Chinese Architecture
sky was in circular shape and the by Laurence G. Liu
earth was square. On the basis of
this traditional concept, the circle
was widely adopted in the design of
the temple's main building. It is in
accord with people's imagination of
heaven.

http://www.beijing-travel-guides.com/images/temple-of-heaven.jpg
SUMMER PALACE
Situated 13 Km northwest of central
Beijing, the Summer Palace is one of
the largest, best preserved, and
most interesting royal gardens in the
world.
 Chinese Tea House
Shanghai

This marvelous work of

architecture is one of the
most colorful and ancient
in the city of Shanghai. Out
of all of the old Chinese cities,
this is the oldest out of them
all. Most Chinese tea houses
come in multiple stories and
are placed over a body of
water.

http://www.tropicalisland.de/index.html
Chinese Buddhist Temple
Famen Temple

Many Chinese buddhist temples are

multistoried.
They are also quadrangle, hexangle,
ocatagonal, and twelve sided ichnographies.
Later they also added decorations
such as flower pagodas, honeycombed
shrines, animals, Buddha, and
disciple sculptures.

http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/architecture/styles/buddhist.htm
CLASSIFICATION BY STRUCTURES

Lou- Multistory Buildings

Tai- Terraces
Ting- Pavillions
Ge- Multistory Pavillion
Ta- Pagodas
Xuan- Verandas with Windows
Xie- Pavilions or Houses in Terraces
Wu- Rooms along roofed corridors
Gong- Palaces