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Ancient Architecture

Chinese architecture refers to a style of architecture that has taken shape in Asia over many centuries. The structural principles of Chinese architecture have remained largely unchanged, the main changes being only the decorative details. Since the Tang Dynasty, Chinese architecture has had a major influence on the architectural styles of Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

The architecture of China is as old as Chinese civilization. From every source of information - literary, graphic, exemplary - there is strong evidence testifying to the fact that the Chinese have always employed an indigenous system of construction that has retained its principal characteristics from prehistoric times to the present day. Over the vast area from Chinese Turkistan to Japan, from Manchuria to the northern half of French Indochina, the same system of construction is prevalent; and this was the area of Chinese cultural influence. That this system of construction could perpetuate itself for more than four thousand years over such a vast territory and still remain a living 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.

  • Zigzag Bridge

    A landscaping structure, the zigzag bridge is found in some gardens or suburban scenic spots. It is intended to give an interesting feature to the scene on lakes and ponds and enlarge the sight of....

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  • Xinjiang Karez

    In the Hami and Turpan, Xinjiang, there is an unusual kind of irrigation system formed by underground tunnels and wells. A system worked out by the people in the light of local climate and topography ....

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  • Waterside Pavilions

    One of the structures in traditional Chinese landscape gardens is the xie, a special form of pavilion. The earliest xie referred to the wood houses built on high terraces, but with the change of taste it became ....

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  • Water Vat

    In the courtyards of palaces and imperial gardens of China water vats are seen standing not far from the main buildings. In their time they were filled with water against the emergency of a fire.

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  • Ancient Military Watchtower & Barbican

    Standing opposite every city gate of old Beijing was an embrasured watchtower (Jianlou, Arrow watchtower), an imposing and distinctive structure that tremendously to the landscape of the city in old days.

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  • Tower Pagoda

    This is the most common type of pagodas seen in China, which visitors may climb up for a brid's eye view of the surrounding county. The world-famous Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County, Shanxi Province, is a typical tower-like pagoda.

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  • Yellow Tiles and Vermeil Walls

    The imperial palaces in Beijing are graced with yellow-glazed tiles and vermilion walls because they looked pleasant and reflected the wealth, dignity and authority of the emperors.

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  • Terrace Buildings

    The Tai was an ancient architectural structure, a very much elevated terrace with a flat top. Generally built of earth and stone and surfaced with brick, it was used as a belvedere from which to look into the distance.

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