Ancient Chinese architecture was based on principles of balance and symmetry. The main structure was supported by an axis, with secondary structures on either side forming an open central space. Buildings reflected Chinese values and religions like Taoism and Buddhism through tranquil, serene designs. Architectural styles evolved over dynasties, from wood structures in early times to large palaces like the Forbidden City under the Ming Dynasty. Chinese architecture had widespread influence across East Asia and was later introduced to Europe.

1. Ancient Chinese Architecture
By Grace West

2. Principle of Balance
• All Chinese architecture is based of a principle of
balance and symmetry.
• The main structure of a building was supported by its
axis
• The Secondary structure was two rooms put on either
side to form a center room or open space.
• There was even always an distribution of space
• Other buildings and gardens followed the method of
free combination
• There was always a sense of flow and ease to Chinese
architecture.

3. Style
• Chinese architecture is most known for their
wood structures.
• A structure is not only technically sound but
incorporates a delicate beauty.
• The constructing of tall buildings was a part of
Ancient Chinese culture that was highly advanced
and developed
• They used advanced structural ideas like wood
frameworks kept together with dougong brackets
using just one piece of metal

4. Values in Architecture
• Buildings reflected Chinese values and ethics
• Buildings were commonly separated by a families hierarchy
• When Buddhism was the primary religion in China, the religious buildings had
feelings tranquility peace and introversion which was important to the religion
• Taoism temples had the same serene feelings
• Architecture opened to religious temples and alters for worshipping deities
• Architecture was drastically influenced by religion and culture
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5. History
• The plan of a city began in the Western Zhou Dynasty
• In the Spring and Autumn Warring States period there was a fall in arts. It
was a time when, "courtesy disintegrated and music destroyed" the
systematic patterns of Chinese architecture were disintegrating
• During the Han Dynasty the importance of art was restored
• The Han dynasty was the largest milestone in that it brought a new
religion: Buddhism
• Buildings called pagodas were introduced which continued to develop
through the Tang and Sung Dynasty
• During the Ming Dynasty the Forbidden City was built, a huge palace
• The unification of dynasties strengthened the cultural exchanges of two
different cultures
• These kind of connections brought many changes and development in
ancient Chinese art including architecture.

6. Temples
• word for palace is "gong"
• In the Qin Dynasty gradually the word came to mean a
group of buildings where the emperor lived and worked.
• Palaces grew in size
• The first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty had a palace that was
2 1/2 km from east to west and 1,000 paces from north to
south.
• Groups of palaces slowly grew into a small city called a
"gongcheng"
• Inside the gong- separate buildings where concubines and
empresses lived
• courtyards
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7. Pavilions
• ting
• These buildings were seen in the country side
• built of wood and stone or bamboo made in different shapes
• use columns instead of walls for support
• built on slopes
• Stand near bridges and over water wells
• Pavilions are used for providing a rest place
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8. Terrace
• Tai
• like an elevated bare platform made of stone
and brick
• they were usually used as a look out to see far
out into the distance

9. Storied Buildings and Storied Pavilions
• Lou
• Building with 2 or more stories
• These buildings began in the period called the Warring States ( 475-221 B.C)
• The more modest two storied buildings were used as private homes
• The larger more eye catching buildings were built in parks and used to enjoy the beautiful
scenery
• Ancient cities also had bell towers which were housed in buildings with four sloped, glazed
roofs and circulating verandas
• They would ring the bell to announce time
• Storied pavilions were usually used to hold important religious writing

10. Widespread influence
• Chinese architecture spread into the East Asian religion
including Japan and Viet Nam which now combines to
form the East Asian architecture
• In the early Ming and Qing dynasties Chinese
architecture was very different from Western
• It then became well known in Europe and they were
greatly influenced
• China also accepted influence from South and Central
Asia
• Unification of dynasties throughout Chinese history
brought a lot of development to China including arts

11. Bibliography
• http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/architecture/
• http://www1.chinaculture.org/focus/2008-07/09/content_136317_4.htm
• http://library.thinkquest.org/10098/china1.htm
• http://www.chinaetravel.com/china/architec.html