4 Features of Ancient Chinese Architecture

Ancient architecture in China stands out for its timberwork, elegant practicality and symmetry.

1. Fine Timberwork

Wooden architecture was the mainstay of traditional Chinese buildings. Wood was preferred for most traditional architectural structures, from the halls of the Forbidden City to common houses.

The components were mainly columns, beams, and purlins, which were connected by tenons and mortises. China’s ancient wooden structures were quite intricately formed, sometimes without any nails!

2. Elegant Exteriors

Existing examples of ancient Chinese architecture are greatly praised for their elegant profiles and varied features, such as overhanging eaves, upturned roof corners, and different shapes of roofs.

The unique exteriors not only satisfied a practical function, but also had wonderful appearances. They are good examples of practicality and beauty combined.

3. Symmetrical Layout

Most traditional Chinese buildings strictly followed the axis-centered principle with symmetrical wings. This reflected the aesthetic standard of harmony and symmetry in ancient China.

4. Gorgeous Decoration

Architects in ancient China paid special attention to color and adornments, from the whole building to specific parts. They used different colors or paintings according to particular building functions or local customs.

Carved beams, painted rafters, various patterns, inscribed boards, couplets hung on the pillars, and wall paintings were used to add a colorful and beautiful style to interiors. Stone lions, screen walls, ornamental columns, as well as flowers were used to decorate the exteriors of buildings.