23 Facts About Chinese architecture

Chinese architecture is the embodiment of an architectural style that developed over millennia in China and influenced architecture throughout East Asia.

Chinese architecture traditionally classifies structures according to type, ranging from pagodas to palaces.

From every source of information—literary, graphic, exemplary—there is strong evidence testifying to the fact that the Chinese architecture have always enjoyed an indigenous system of construction that has retained its principal characteristics from prehistoric times to the present day.

That this system of construction could perpetuate itself for more than four thousand years over such a vast territory and still remain a living Chinese architecture, retaining its principal characteristics in spite of repeated foreign invasions—military, intellectual, and spiritual—is a phenomenon comparable only to the continuity of the civilization of which it is an integral part.

However, the traditional skills of Chinese architecture, including major and minor carpentry, masonry, and stonemasonry, are used in the construction of vernacular architecture in China's rural areas.

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An important feature in Chinese architecture is its emphasis on articulation and bilateral symmetry, which there signifies balance.

The design of the classic Chinese architecture garden is based on the ideology of "Nature and Man in One, " as opposed to the home itself, which shows the human sphere co-existing with, but separate from nature.

Chinese architecture stresses the visual impact of the width of the buildings, using sheer scale to inspire awe.

Chinese architecture used concepts from Chinese cosmology such as feng shui and Taoism to organize construction and layout.

Beijing and Chang'an are examples of traditional Chinese architecture town planning that represent these cosmological concepts.

The Chinese architecture axis is a line of privilege, usually built upon, regulating access—instead of vistas, a series of gates and pavilions are used.

Chinese architecture urban planning is based on fengshui geomancy and the well-field system of land division, both used since the Neolithic age.

Also, Chinese architecture culture holds that life connects with nature and that humans should interact with animated things.

Some stone and brick Chinese architecture was used in subterranean tomb Chinese architecture of earlier dynasties.

Unlike western homes, the Chinese architecture home was not a private space or a place separated from the state.

Chinese architecture received significant influence from abroad, particularly during dynasties such as the Yuan and Qing, which were more outward-facing.

Chinese architecture had a major influence on the architectural styles of Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Vietnam where the East Asian hip-and-gable roof design is ubiquitous.

Chinese architecture influenced the architecture of various Southeast Asian countries.

In South Asia, Chinese architecture played a significant role in shaping Sri Lankan architecture, alongside influences from other parts of Southeast Asia.

Classical Lingnan Chinese architecture is used primarily in Guangdong and the eastern half of Guangxi.

The swallowtail roof is a signature of Hokkien Chinese architecture, commonly used for religious buildings like shrines and temples, but in dwellings.

Teochew Chinese architecture is categorised by its "curly grass roofs" and wood carvings, and share the "cut porcelain carving" tradition with the closely-related Hokkien people.

Gan Chinese architecture-speaking province of Jiangxi makes use of bricks, wood, and stones as materials, primarily using wooden frames.