ABOUT
CHINA
Names:
1. Cin - First recorded use of the word "China”, dated
1555, derived from a Persian name for China,
popularized in Europe by Marco Polo.
2. Cīnā - Term for porcelain or ceramic ware originally
made in China
3. Zhong Guo - Refers to the late Zhou Dynasty, as
they believed that they were the “Center of
Civilization."
China is the largest country in Asia. (fourth largest in the
world)
ABOUT Highest population in the world of 1,344,130,000
CHINA
Government: Communist
Capital: Beijing
Offical Language: Mandarin
ABOUT
CHINA
H IS T O R Y O F
CHINESE
ARCHITECTURE
TIMELINE
Neolithic (Pre-1600 BC)
Shang (c. 1600–1046 BC)
Zhou (221 BC – 220 AD)
Qin & Han (221 BC – 220 AD)
The Three Kingdoms Period (220–280)
and the Six Dynasties (220–589)
Sui (581–618) & Tang (618–907)
Song (960–1279) & Yuan (1279–1368)
Ming (1368–1644) & Qing (1644–1912)
Neolithic
The Neolithic village of Banpo provides
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
examples of the early architecture in
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Northern China.
Shang
Zhou
Villages were surrounded by moats and
typically
Two types of buildings:
1. Circular buildings with conical roofs,
above ground.
2. Square buildings with pyramidal roofs,
semi-subterranean.
Neolithic
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
Qin & Han
Square buildings Circular buildings
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Shang
Zhou
Banpo Village Musuem, Xi'an, Shaanxi province, China
Shang
Was the first dynasty with written records
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
with written records (inscriptions on bones
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Neolithic
and bronze).
Zhou
Excavations at Anyang reveal architectural
links to Neolithic times.
Dwellings were partly sunk below ground
level.
Early Chinese-style buildings: rectilinear,
on rammed-earth foundations.
Massive earthen walls surrounding urban
centers.
Shang
Rammed-earth
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
construction
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Neolithic
Technology refers to
Zhou
tamping or pounding
earth into a solid mass.
Use only the hands
and/or feet of the
builders to tamp earth
Made of naturally
available materials
(earth, chalk, lime, or
gravel).
Zhou
Emerged in the Huang He valley, overrunning the
Shang.
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
“Mandate of Heaven" (tianming), the notion that
Neolithic
the ruler “the son of heaven” or governed by
Shang
divine.
Emergence of new architectural forms: Long
defensive walls, mourning halls, tombs, and altars
became common.
Pictorial bronzes show use of the original Chinese
bracketing system. (Dougong bracketing
system)
Bricks and roof tiles were developed as building
materials.
Qin & Han
Improvement and perfection of timber building
techniques.
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
Mastery of firing tiles and skilled use of stones.
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Neolithic
Construction of great palaces and pavilions.
Shang
Zhou
(Efang gong)
Terracotta Army part of the first emperor’s
mausoleum in Xi'an. (Tomb of Qin
Shihuangdi)
Breakthrough in decorations: paintings, silks,
and ceramics became integral to buildings.
One of the most significant architectural
achievements of the Qin Dynasty was the
construction of the Great Wall
Neolithic
Shang
Zhou
Terracotta Army
(Efang gong)
Qin & Han
the Great Wall
Three Kingdoms and
the Six Dynasties
Sui & Tang
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms
and (220–280)
the Six Dynasties
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
Neolithic
(220–589)
Shang
Zhou
Religious buildings –
especially Buddhist
temples and monasteries –
sprung up around China
Sui & Tang
The golden age of China's history
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
The application of bricks has become more
Qin & Han
the Six Dynasties
Neolithic
popular. Vast public works, such as the
Shang
Zhou
Grand Canal, were built.
Chinese roofs became more and more
exquisite as advances had been made in
baking glazes.
The architectural style
during this period was
grand and lavish.
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
Three Kingdoms and
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
Neolithic
The scale of the buildings in the Song Dynasty
Shang
Zhou
was generally smaller than in the Tang Dynasty.
During the Yuan Dynasty, many Tibetan Buddhist
temples and Islamic mosques were built.
The architectural arts of Tibetan Buddhism and
Islam greatly influenced the nation.
Ming & Qing
The production of bricks had greatly
increased. The quality and quantity of
Song & Yuan
Three Kingdoms and
Qin & Han
Sui & Tang
the Six Dynasties
glazed tiles had exceeded any past
Neolithic
Shang
Zhou
dynasties. The official buildings were highly
standardized.
Emphasis is placed upon carved
balustrades, rich
colour, and painted
architectural detail
Neolithic
Shang
Zhou
Qin & Han
Three Kingdoms and
the Six Dynasties
Sui & Tang
Song & Yuan
Ming & Qing
C
H CHINESE ANCIENT
A ARCHITECTURE IS BASED ON:
R Concept and Symmetry
A Horizontal Emphasis
Enclosure and Modular System
C Hierarchy
T Material and Construction
Cosmology
E
R
CONCEPT AND
SYMMETRY
Chinese architecture values symmetry,
reflecting the Confucian ideal of
harmony and order. Entire building
layouts, particularly in palaces,
temples, and significant constructions,
are frequently symmetrical, with a
central axis going through the center.
CONCEPT AND
SYMMETRY
Only gardens and natural
landscapes are asymmetric —
Daoist principles of balance
between human-made and
natural forms.
HORIZONTAL EMPHASIS
Sructures are typically low-rise with
wide extended layouts.
ENCLOSURE AND / OR
MODULAR SYSTEM
Structures are constructed using
standardized, repeatable building
components and units. This system
makes architectural design more
flexible, efficient, and harmonious.
ENCLOSURE AND / OR
MODULAR SYSTEM
This principle is deeply rooted in
Chinese architectural philosophy,
emphasizing inward-facing designs
that encourage introspection, harmony,
and security.
HIGH WALL
HIERARCHY
larger simpler and smaller
more elaborate less lasting materials.
frequently positioned in
elevated elevations
BUILDING MATERIALS
AND CONSTRUCTION
Wood is the principal material utilized, with
interlocking timber structures (post-and-lintel systems)
that provide flexibility and earthquake resilience.
Wooden brackets (dougong) are a distinguishing
feature, used between columns and beams for both
structural and decorative purposes.
Clay is a common material for making tiles for
roofing.
BUILDING MATERIALS
AND CONSTRUCTION
WOODEN FRAMING
pillars-and-beams pillars-and-transverse-tie-
(tailiang) beams (chuandou)
COSMOLOGY
yin (earth)
Structures often symbolize the
order of the universe, with
humans occupying a balanced
position between heaven
(yang) and earth (yin).
yang (heaven)
COSMOLOGY
The orientation of the building is determined by
the cosmic order based on the cardinal points:
north — water
south — fire
east — wood
west — metal
COSMOLOGY
Circular and square forms :
Square (earth) Circle (heaven)
Symbolizes stability, the material world, Represents the divine, perfection, and
and humanity's connection to the land the infinite
COLOR SYMBOLISM
Connected to the element of
Represented warmth and This color symbolized heaven and
earth, yellow represented the
heavenly blessings
the highest amount of very foundations of Chinese blue roof tiles - connection between
yang energy. Buildings civilization in antiquity. It heaven and earth
painted in red or with red symbolizes stability, harmony, blue paint on walls - calmness,
tranquility, relaxation, good luck, and
roofs are said to invite and prosperity, making it an
fortune
prosperity and protect excellent choice for long- blue porcelain tile - purity,
against negative energy. lasting constructions with righteousness, loyalty
significant effect.
Ancient Chinese
Architecture (Timber
Frame Structure) is
composed of
SLOPING ROOF
HOUSE BODY
TERRACE
ROOF
The roof projects outward on all
four sides.
curved with raised eaves ( allowing
more light and better views.)
The roof's shape was described as
resembling divine birds in flight,
symbolizing grace and lightness.
TYPES
Double-Eaved Roof
Types feature two
distinct eaves—upper
and lower, creating a
layered effect on
buildings.
Grandeur can be
signified by the
number of tiers in
terms of floors or
roofs.
ROOF BRACKET
SYSTEM
Adapted brackets, used as cantilever
beams, functioned perpendicular to
the wall-plane from 200 B.C. to 600
A.D. in Chinese architecture.
Dougong (Corbel Brackets)
use dovetail joints—interlocking,
puzzle-like pieces of wood—that
create a strong and stable
connection between the roof and the
columns.
DUOGONG
Each bracket is made of a
double bow-shaped arm
(gong) supporting a wood
block (dou) on each side.
Fixed in layers, the brackets
bear the roof load and
provide structural support.
DRAGON
DECORATIVE
ELEMENTS
Zhengwen (Zoomorphic Ornaments) on Roofs:
These were statuettes placed along the
PHOENIX
ridge line of official Chinese buildings.
Only official buildings like palaces,
government buildings, and some temples
were allowed to use these roof decorations.
TIGER
ARCHITECTURE OF ANCIENT CHINA
Cliffside Dwellings
Carved out of cliff sides, often facing
south.
Facades sometimes made of bricks or
stone.
Pit Dwellings (Yaodong)
Cave dwellings built in areas without hills.
Sunken courtyards about 10 meters deep,
with rooms dug off the main courtyard.
Courtyards can be as large as 100 square
meters
ARCHITECTURE OF ANCIENT CHINA
Mongolian Yurt
Traditional dwelling of the Inner
Mongolians.
“Vaulted Tent” or “Felt tent”
Shaped by wooden supporting rings,
which are covered with thick felt that is
held tight by ropes.
Hutong
A Hutong is a narrow lane or street
between two courtyards.
Unique to Beijing; Hutongs existed during
the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
ARCHITECTURE OF ANCIENT CHINA
Tulou
"Hakka tulou", "earth dwelling", "round
stronghouse", or simply "tulou."
Traditional rural dwellings unique to the
Hakka people, found in southeastern
Fujian’s mountain areas.
Houses built along canals
are common in the south of China.
ARCHITECTURE AND CITY PLANNING
Classification of Cities:
Imperial Cities – The highest and largest cities.
Capitals of Fiefdoms – Cities controlled by vassal lords.
Cities of Imperial Relatives – Cities where imperial family members reside.
Principle 1: The capital city's size should
reflect its importance in the hierarchy.
Covering 720,000 square meters.
Largest quadrangular architectural complex in ancient
China
In 1987, the Forbidden City was listed as World
Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO.
Principle 2: The city should face towards
the south, symbolizing brightness.
Principle 3: The city should be laid out in
squares and rectangles, aligned with the
four cardinal directions.
Principle 4: The layout should reflect the
orderliness of the universe.
Principle 5: Each social function should
have its appropriate place.
Imperial palace, temples and mansions of the princes
should be positioned in more important locations
Lesser activities such as markets and mercantile shops
– should be situated at secondary sites.
Rule 6: A Great Wall should encircle the
city, symbolizing the emperor’s power.
Major Buildings and Open Spaces
1. Meridian Gate
2. Gate of Divine Might
3. West Glorious Gate
4. East Glorious Gate
5. Corner Towers
6. Gate of Supreme Harmony
7. Three Main Halls: These halls host grand ceremonies and
meetings:
Hall of Supreme Harmony
Hall of Middle Harmony
Hall of Preserving Harmony
8. Other Significant Structures:
Hall of Military Eminence
Hall of Literary Glory
Southern Three Places
Palace of Heavenly Purity
Imperial Garden
Hall of Mental Cultivation
Palace of Tranquil Longevity
Great Wall of China
Initiated by Emperor Qin Shi
Huang during the Qin Dynasty
(221–206 BCE). Expanded and
rebuilt extensively by the Ming
Dynasty (1368–1644).
Built using stone, earth, brick, and
wood (depending on the region).
Distinct Features:
Is over 13,000 miles long
With watchtowers, fortresses
and signal beacons.
Character and Status:
Symbol of Ancient China’s imperial power, unity and determination to protect its borders and
sovereignty.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987).
A major cultural and tourist attraction today.
BUDDHIST ARCHITECTURE IN CHINA
Buddhism was introduced to China through the ancient Silk Road which was the
road of commercial trade and a road of cultural exchange. Buddhist
architecture is regarded as a wonderful artistic asset that combines Chinese
calligraphy, sculpture, and painting. As Buddhist spiritual symbols, they are not
simply monastic holy locations, but also sacred territory where souls might be
purified.
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE IN CHINA
Resemble Indian temples,
consisting of open courts, porticos
with kitchen, refectories and
sleeping cells of priests.
Sichuan Province, China
Mount Emie 3,099 meters (10,167 feet)
UNESCO World Heritage Site 1996
one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, dedicated to
Bodhisattva Samantabhadra.
A major pilgrimage site with over 2,000 years of religious & cultural history.
Home to over 30 temples, with Wannian Temple (1st century AD) and the
Golden Summit (Jinding) being the most famous.
Known for its natural beauty, including the Golden Summit, Sea of
Clouds, and the rare Buddha’s Halo optical phenomenon.
Biodiversity includes rare species like golden monkeys.
Temples were built using wood and stone, featuring traditional Chinese
Buddhist architecture.
Golden Summit Sea of Clouds Budhas Halo Optical
Phenomenon
Leshan Giant Buddha
The world's largest stone Buddha (71 meters high) carved into a cliff, with
Mount Emei featuring ancient temples and monasteries, blending Buddhism
with nature.
Initiated by Hai Tong (713 AD), it is a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty rock
carving, with symmetrical proportions and intricate details.
It sits in a serene Maitreya pose, signifying calmness.
Made of Red sandstone from the cliff itself, originally covered with clay
and paint for finer details, though much of this has eroded over time. using
traditional tools like chisels and hammers.
Constructed from top to bottom, with a ingenious drainage system
(hidden channels and gutters) to prevent water damage and erosion.
Head Ears Feet
Datong, Shanxi
Yungang Grottoes Province
UNESCO Site (2001)
Known for having rock-cut Buddhist caves adorned with intricate carvings
and statues, reflecting the artistic and spiritual exchange.
Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (around 460–525 AD), were
patronized by Emperor Xiaowen, who promoted Buddhism and its spread.
Sandstone was used to carve large statues and caves into the cliffs of the
Wuzhou Mountain using traditional tools such as chisels, hammers, and picks,
carried out by thousands of artisans.
The site consists of 252 caves containing over 51,000 Buddhist statues.
The site serve religious and political purposes, reflecting the introduction and
adaptation of Buddhism into China.
Remains an important cultural and spiritual landmark under Chinese
government protection and efforts to preserve sculptures and murals.
Large Sculptures Caves, Reliefs, & Murals Pillars &Doorways
17 meters (56 feet) tall 252 caves interior caves
Great Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi'An, Shaanxi, China,( UNESCO Site 1987)
A landmark of Tang Dynasty architecture, symbolizing the transition from
wooden to brick pagodas, serving as a hub for meditation & worship.
Built by Xuanzang after his pilgrimage to India, the 64-meter tall structure
has seven stories, Buddha statue niches, a square base, and a narrowing
body, resembling Buddhist architecture's stupa-like design.
It is a brick-and-stone structure, which makes it quite distinctive among
ancient Chinese pagodas.
Exhibit a blend of Chinese and Indian architectural traditions,
influenced by Xuanzang's Buddhist concepts from india.
A significant Chinese religious and cultural landmark that influenced later
pagodas and temples.
Stone- and Brick Niche with Buddhist Seven-Tiered Design
construction Relics
The Paifang Chinese Gate
Dazhao Square in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
Built during the Qing Dynasty (17th century), commissioned under Emperor
Kangxi to honor Buddhist beliefs and promote Tibetan Buddhism.
A hybrid of Chinese traditional and Tibetan Buddhist architecture,
crafted using traditional Chinese techniques (mortise and tenon joints).
Primarily wood (frame and carvings), stone (base), with paint and gold
leaf for decoration.
Serves as a gateway to Da Zhao Temple, symbolizing the transition from
the mundane to the sacred, and offering protection.
Important religious and cultural landmark in Hohhot, undergoing restoration
efforts to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.
Roof with curved Eaves Carvings and Inscriptions Vibrant Colors
GARDEN ARCHITECTURE
IMPERIAL GARDENS PRIVATE GARDENS
MONASTIC GARDENS PUBLIC GARDENS
Suzhou Classical Gardens
Suzhou, Jiangsu, China ( UNESCO Site 1997)
The site is a collection of gardens that combine architecture, water, rocks,
and flora to create harmonious spaces rooted in Taoist principles.
Created for leisure and reflection during the Ming and Qing Dynasties by
wealthy scholars, merchants, and government officials.
Stone, wood, and bamboo are used in various constructions, including
rock gardens, artificial hills, pavilions, pathways, fences, and small
architectural elements.
Gardens, designed to reflect harmony between man-made structures
and nature, following classical Chinese garden design.
The Suzhou Classical Gardens are well-preserved and remain a popular
tourist attraction.
Large ponds & Rock Pavillions &Foliage Bridges & Pathways
Gardens
Ancient and Traditional Architects
Li Jie Lu Dalin Yu Hao
• Era: Song Dynasty Contribution: • Era: Northern Song Dynasty • Era: Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms
• Author of “Yingzao Fashi” (State • Contribution: Known for cataloging • Period Contribution: Credited with early
Building Standards), a comprehensive and documenting architectural relics, advancements in wooden construction
manual for traditional Chinese including techniques used in pagodas techniques and the design of tall
Architecture, dealing construction and temples. pagodas, including earthquake-resistant
techniques, materials, and design elements.
principles.
Modern & Contemporary Architects
Ieoh Ming Pei Wang Shu Zhang Lei
• Introduced modernist architecture to
• Known for sustainable, culturally • Known for minimalist design blending
China and the world.
rooted designs. traditional elements with modern forms.
• Blended traditional Chinese elements
• Won Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2012. • Emphasizes simplicity and elegance.
with modern Western design.
• Incorporates traditional Chinese • Projects include Jiangnan Traditional
• Iconic projects include Louvre
construction techniques with modern Garden and Cloud and Water Cultural
Pyramid, Bank of China Tower, and
elements. Center.
Museum of Islamic Art.
• Notable projects include Ningbo • Positioned as key figure in Chinese
• Known for geometric clarity and
Museum and Xiangshan Campus. contemporary architecture development.
elegant use of space and materials.
Key Philosophers in Design
Kang Youwei (康有为) (1858–1927):
Philosopher, reformist, and cultural scholar.
Influential in modernizing China's urban planning and preserving traditional architecture.
Advocated for Western knowledge integration with Chinese traditions.
Contributed to wider awareness of architectural heritage.
Led future urban development and conservation movements in China.
"The past is dead, the future is alive."
Liang Sicheng (梁思成) (1901–1972):
Father of Modern Chinese Architecture
Documented and preserved traditional Chinese architectural styles.
Introduced Western architectural concepts.
Balancing respect for historical styles and modern architectural practices.
Notable for preservation of ancient buildings, including the Forbidden City.
"The essence of architecture is not just in its form, but in its relationship to
the people and the culture it serves."
