How to distinguish the dynasties of ancient Chinese architecture?

    Chinese architecture has a long history and covers an extremely vast area. The types of buildings that have been built throughout history are not only numerous, but the cumulative quantity is particularly enormous. However, due to various long-term natural and man-made damages, many buildings that were once considered great achievements in history have been destroyed.

    Among the existing ancient Chinese buildings, there are very few that are ancient, and buildings from the Tang Dynasty and before are rare. Most of the ancient buildings were built during the Song Dynasty and after.

 Look at the roofs of ancient buildings:
    In terms of architectural roofs, the roof slopes of ancient buildings in the Tang and Song dynasties were gentle, with far-reaching eaves, and the entire facade was solemn and stable. The visual impression of the building was stretchy and atmospheric. However, the buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties Palace have steep roof slopes, magnificent decorations, and mainly blue and green colored paintings. Although visually bulky, it is also more imposing, such as the Beijing Forbidden City, which has short eaves, steep slopes, and ornate roof decorations.

Look at the arch of wooden architecture of the building:
    Arch of wooden architecture is an important feature to judge the age of buildings. In the Tang and Song Dynasties, the arch of wooden architecture was huge and had an important mechanical function, and the eaves were far reaching; In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, arch of wooden architecture was mostly decorated and smaller, with shorter eaves.

Looking at beams and columns:
    Another difference between Tang and Song architecture and Ming and Qing architecture is the integration of curved beauty in Tang and Song architecture, while most of the Ming and Qing dynasties went straight in and out.