Ancient Chinese architecture, an art of wood and bricks

chinese temple

Ancient chinese architecture it is so important that it is regarded as a fundamental component in the world's architectural system. Through its millennial history, China managed to forge its own architectural style based on wood and brick carving, rammed earth constructions, spectacular cube arch buildings, etc. The Great Wall of China, the Mausoleum of the First Emperor qin or the Forbidden City, are just a few examples of its impressive architecture.  

Characteristics of ancient Chinese architecture

Ancient chinese architecture

Probably one of the most distinctive features of the Ancient Chinese architecture is the use of the wooden frame. It is known that the Chinese They added paintings and carvings to the architectural work with the intention of making it more beautiful and attractive. The oldest buildings in China date back to the time of the Shang dynasty, from the 16th century BC to 771 BC. It has its own basic principles of layout and structure, so architectural wonders made by hard-working and intelligent workers have been created over the years.

Wood as the main element of architecture in China

chinese pagoda

Ancient Chinese architecture is mainly based on wood. It is common to find wooden posts, beams, as well as lintels, which are used to form the framework of buildings. On the other hand, the walls serve as the separation of rooms but with the particularity that in reality they do not carry the weight of the construction in its entirety as is common in other buildings. This is a unique feature of ancient Chinese architecture.

It is also worth mentioning that the specialty of wood requires antisepsis methods to turn China's own decoration into a architectural painting. Not for nothing, a large part of the constructions and buildings of great relevance in the country's culture have enamel-colored ceilings, as well as windows with an exquisite design, beautiful flower patterns on the wooden pillars, which together reflect the great craftsmanship level and the rich imagination of Chinese builders.

It must also be said that the layout of a courtyard complex is unique in China. That is, the main structure is located in the central axis of the patio, while the structures that are considered less important are located on the left and right. Even more interesting is that the entire design of this type of building is symmetrical and if it is compared with the european architectural style, it can be easily noticed that the Chinese architectural style is open and closed, with the courtyard being like an extension of the paint job that must be implemented little by little.

And not only that, the landscape is different in each patio, so even when these types of constructions are visited, we realize that all the architecture can be appreciated from different perspectives. Similarly, from inside buildings, there are no two windows from which the view is always the same.

Ancient Chinese architecture styles

chinese temple

We mentioned at the beginning that ancient architecture of china uses different structural materials for the construction of its buildings. Consequently there are also different architectural styles in China, among which are:

Imperial architecture

It is a type of architecture that includes imperial palaces, gardens, and mausoleums. This architectural style frequently adopts the arrangement of an axial symmetry with the intention of reflecting the supremacy of the imperial power. Thus, there are buildings with a tall and splendid central axis, while the rest of the construction is kept with small and simple elements.

Garden architecture

All over the world chinese gardens they are famous for their variety and of course for the high quality craftsmanship. This handicraft part is not only present in the different types of gardens, but also has to do with the constructive and unique idea of ​​the methods used by Chinese builders and craftsmen.

Religious architecture

In general, religious or Buddhist architecture, follows the imperial architectural style. Thus, a large Buddhist monastery normally has a front corridor where you have a statue of bodhisattva, in addition to a large corridor, where they are usually found statues of the Buddhas. These religious constructions often have pagodas, which can house relics of the Buddha gautama. In this sense, the oldest pagodas tend to be four-sided, while the most modern pagodas, so to speak, tend to have eight sides.

The Chinese Temples

chinese temple

The Temples largely reflect the ancient history and vast culture of China, which is why they are considered as true architectural treasures. The Buddhist temples as already mentioned, include the temple, the pagoda and the grotto. For their part, Taoist temples are known in different ways as Gong, Guan o An.

In any case, Temples in China they are cultural elements that have remained during each dynasty. The culture of the temple for its part, has also influenced many aspects of the life of the Chinese, including painting, calligraphy, music, as well as sculpture and of course the architecture itself.


12 comments, leave yours

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  1.   Natalia said

    I think this was very interesting for me and for all the children who are learning about China, and the Chinese wall is the most beautiful

  2.   simona said

    karate kid is related to china, it was very interesting

  3.   simona said

    mentira
    whoa hahaha, hee hee hee

  4.   simona said

    it's more foome, .9th

  5.   pillar said

    the reality the culture of this continent is very rich and extensive

  6.   Arianna said

    Hello

  7.   Arianna said

    I'm chinese

  8.   Roger said

    I love the designs

  9.   avenue said

    That chebre, that is, that broken
    so wonderful

  10.   avenue said

    what a chebre I mean what
    photos
    so wonderful

  11.   manuel said

    excellent article. Thank you so much!

  12.   Ela said

    Thank you very much for your input.